Last Friday, the staff of the anime “Medalist” released a new promotional trailer. The video, just over 1.20 minutes long, focuses on the secondary characters and also reveals the voice actors who will voice them in this animated version, scheduled to premiere on Japanese television in January 2025.
About the Voice Casting
The voice cast of the anime “Medalist,” which is led by Natsumi Haruse and Takeo Otsuka, who play the lead roles of aspiring skater Inori Yuitsuka and her coach Tsukasa Akeuraji, is now joined by the following actors:
- Kana Ichinose as Hikari Kawasaki
- Yuma Uchida as Jun Yataka
- Makoto Koichi as Tori Riou
- Hina Kino as Ryoka Sankeida
- Megumi Toda as Nachi Mariou
- Kotori Koiwai as Ema Yamato
- Takahiro Miyake as Jebaku Yudai
In addition to the two main voice actors, the casting also confirms Kana Ichinose to play the role of Hikaru Kamisaki and Yuma Uchida to voice the character of Jun Yodaka.
Production
The studio ENGI is behind the animated production of this shônen about professional ice skating, which will take the form of a TV series. It features Yasutaka Yamamoto (Noblesse) to direct this anime of “Medalist.” The team also includes Jukki Hanada (Love Live! Sunshine!!), who is in charge of writing and composing the script. The character designs are the responsibility of Chinatsu Kameyama (In Another World With My Smartphone).
“Medalist” is the second work of Tsurumaikada as a mangaka after the publication in 2019 of the one-shot “Can’t Be a Goddess“. The series began its publication in 2020 in the pages of the Monthly Afternoon magazine by Kodansha and remains ongoing in Japan with 10 collected volumes. The eleventh volume will be released in the Japanese market on August 22. The work won the award in the print category of the Next Manga Award in 2022 and the 68th Shogakukan Manga Award in 2023, in addition to being nominated in the 47th Annual Kodansha Manga Award.
About the Plot
“Medalist” is a thrilling and moving tale about two characters, Tsukasa and Inori, who, despite challenges and adversities, find a common purpose in figure skating. Tsukasa, whose youthful dreams were crushed by unforeseen circumstances, is forced to reconsider his aspirations and goals. On the other hand, Inori, a young woman who has been underestimated and overlooked by those around her, seeks her own affirmation and success in the same field.
Both characters, through their meeting and mutual relationship, discover a tenacity and determination that sets them apart even in the highly competitive realm of ice skating. Their journey is not only a physical challenge but also an emotional and personal voyage that explores themes of self-acceptance, perseverance, and the pursuit of recognition. The story focuses on how their partnership transforms them and allows them to pursue their dreams on a global scale, aiming for international competitions and notable achievements in the world of skating.
“Medalist” not only recounts the struggles and triumphs of Tsukasa and Inori but also delves into how their past and present experiences shape their future aspirations. As they move toward their goals, facing both competitions and internal conflicts, the story highlights the importance of mutual support and how collaboration can lead to overcoming personal and professional limits. This manga not only captures the essence of the sport but also the complex human emotions intertwined with the pursuit of excellence and meaning in the lives of athletes.
Not much to add this time, although there is still a bit to go until next year, it’s not that much, especially considering we’re talking about January. We’ve already passed the mid-point of this year, and the rest will go by in the blink of an eye, as it usually does, so we’ll be seeing the new from “Medalist” before we know it! And now, before we say goodbye, how about you take a friendly turn through the comments and let us know your thoughts on this? You know, we’ll be reading! 🙂
