Medalist Raw Manga [portable] May 2026

Medalist: A Comprehensive Report on the Manga Series  Medalist (メダリスト, Medarisuto) is a critically acclaimed Japanese sports manga series written and illustrated by Tsurumaikada. Since its debut in May 2020, it has become a "critical darling" in the manga industry, winning multiple prestigious awards for its intense emotional storytelling and technical portrayal of figure skating.  Series Overview  Genre: Sports, Drama.

Serialization: Monthly in Kodansha's Monthly Afternoon magazine.

Volumes: As of January 2026, 14 tankōbon volumes have been released in Japan.

Demographic: Seinen (targeted at adult men, but widely popular across all demographics).  Core Narrative 

The story centers on the transformative partnership between two individuals who have both been marginalized by the competitive world of figure skating: 

Inori Yuitsuka: An 11-year-old girl who dreams of becoming a world-class skater. Despite her natural talent, she is considered "too old" to start serious training and faces opposition from her mother due to her sister's past failures in the sport.

Tsukasa Akeuraji: A former ice dancer who was forced to abandon his dreams of singles skating. At 26, he is on the verge of quitting competitive skating entirely until he meets Inori and decides to become her coach. 

Together, they aim for the ultimate goal: an Olympic Gold Medal.  Major Awards and Recognition 

Medalist is notable for winning the "triple crown" of major manga awards:  Next Manga Award (2022): 1st place in the print category. Shogakukan Manga Award (2023): Best General Manga. Kodansha Manga Award (2024): Best General Manga.  Technical Realism and Artistry 

The series is praised for its high level of technical accuracy. Tsurumaikada enrolled in figure skating classes to understand the mechanics of the sport, which translates into dynamic and visceral "jump scenes" that capture the physicality of skating. The manga also uses a "card game" metaphor to explain complex scoring rules to readers.  Global Availability  Region  Japan Kodansha Monthly magazine / Print volumes North America Kodansha USA Print & Digital (since March 2024) Brazil Editora JBC Print (since January 2026) China Bilibili Comics Multimedia Adaptations 

Anime Series: Produced by studio ENGI, the first season aired in early 2025, followed by a second season in early 2026.

Anime Film: An original film continuation is scheduled for a 2027 release.

Light Novel: A novel version written by Jun Esaka was also released. 

(メダリスト) manga, written and illustrated by Tsurumaikada, is a highly acclaimed sports series. Since its debut in Monthly Afternoon

in May 2020, it has become a significant title in the seinen genre, known for its intense emotional storytelling and dynamic depiction of figure skating. Core Narrative and Themes medalist raw manga

The story follows two individuals who feel they are "too late" for their dreams: Tsukasa Akeuraji

: A 14-year-old who started figure skating late and was forced into ice dancing after his singles dreams were crushed. Inori Yuitsuka

: An 11-year-old girl who practices in secret. Despite her late start and lack of support, her raw talent and tenacity catch Tsukasa's eye. The series centers on their mentor-mentee relationship

as they aim for the Olympic gold. It explores themes of resilience, the technical brutality of professional sports, and the psychological burden of competition. Serialization and Current Status April 2026

, the manga is well into its competitive arcs, recently exploring the All-Japan Junior Figure Skating Championships and international Grand Prix events.

: 14 tankōbon volumes have been collected as of January 2026. Raw Chapters : Recent raw releases include

(published February 2026), continuing the high-stakes drama of the junior circuit. Release Schedule : Chapters typically update monthly in Monthly Afternoon Critical and Fan Reception

Reading raw releases — practical notes

• Raw chapters preserve original pacing and onomatopoeia; readers who don’t read Japanese may rely on fan translations but can still appreciate visual storytelling.
• Publication cadence: typically serialized in a seinen/josei or similar magazine—expect periodic chapter releases compiled into tankōbon volumes.
• If seeking accurate terminology for jumps/spins or competition rules, cross-reference skating glossaries or official ISU resources.

Final Score: 9.5/10

Medalist is a masterpiece of tension. It captures the feeling of stepping onto the ice—the cold, the silence, and the split-second where you either fly or fall. Whether you read the raw or the translated version, this is a series that deserves to be read immediately.

Pros:

• Best-in-class sports art.
• Complex, flawed characters.
• Realistic depiction of the competitive skating world.

Cons:

• The technical scoring explanations can be dense (especially in raw Japanese).
• Release schedule can be slow (monthly).

Highly recommended for anyone looking for a sports manga with teeth.

(メダリスト, Medarisuto ) is an award-winning Japanese sports manga series written and illustrated by Tsurumaikada . Since its debut in Kodansha's Monthly Afternoon

magazine on May 25, 2020, it has gained significant acclaim for its intense portrayal of figure skating and the emotional bond between a young skater and her coach. Core Premise & Characters

The story follows two individuals who have been sidelined by the competitive world of figure skating: Inori Yuitsuka Medalist: A Comprehensive Report on the Manga Series

: An 11-year-old girl with a burning passion for skating but a late start that makes many consider her a lost cause. Tsukasa Akeuraji

: A former ice dancer who retired after failing to reach his own dreams.

When Tsukasa encounters Inori secretly practicing at a local rink, he recognizes her raw talent and determination. He decides to become her coach, and together they aim for the Olympic gold. Art Style and Themes

The "raw" manga is particularly noted for Tsurumaikada's dynamic and expressive art style:

: The art captures the fluidity and speed of figure skating, using experimental paneling to convey the weight and force of jumps. Emotional Intensity

: The series frequently uses highly detailed, almost surreal close-ups to depict the psychological pressure and absolute focus of the athletes.

: It explores the harsh reality of sports—such as the financial burden, age limits, and the psychological toll of competition—while remaining a "heartwarming" underdog story. Series Status Serialization : Ongoing in Monthly Afternoon

: As of January 2026, 14 tankōbon volumes have been released in Japan. English Release : Officially licensed and published by Kodansha USA Adaptation : An anime adaptation produced by Studio ENGI began airing in January 2025. Visual Highlights Here are some examples of the manga's covers and art style: Medalist 11: TSURUMAIKADA: 9798888774861: Amazon.com: Books Amazon.com Medalist Vol. 1 eBook : TSURUMAIKADA ... - Amazon.com Amazon.com Medalist 7: TSURUMAIKADA: 9798888772003: Amazon.com: Books Amazon.com Volume 1 | Medalist Wiki | Fandom

The Rise of Medalist: Why Fans Are Rushing to Find the Raw Manga

In the world of sports manga, few titles have captured the raw emotional intensity and technical beauty of their subject quite like Medalist. Written and illustrated by Tsurumaikada, this series has taken the manga community by storm, winning the 68th Shogakukan Manga Award and securing a dedicated global fanbase.

For many enthusiasts, waiting for official translations isn’t an option. The hunt for "Medalist raw manga" (the original Japanese chapters) has become a weekly ritual. Here is a deep dive into why this series is a must-read and what makes the raw experience so unique. What is Medalist?

Medalist follows the journey of Tsukasa Inori, a young girl with an undeniable passion for figure skating, and Tsukimitsu Tsukasa, a former skater who becomes her coach. Unlike many "prodigy" stories, Medalist focuses on the grit, the late starts, and the crushing pressure of the competitive skating world. The Appeal of Reading the Raw Manga

While English publishers like Kodansha provide high-quality localized versions, many readers seek out the Japanese raws for several reasons: 1. The Artistry in its Purest Form

Tsurumaikada’s art is breathtaking. The way the "camera" follows a skater through a triple axel or a complex sequence of steps is cinematic. Reading the raw manga allows fans to appreciate the original lettering and sound effects (onomatopoeia), which are often integral to the visual flow of the skating choreography. 2. Staying Ahead of the Curve Final Score: 9

Medalist is serialized in Monthly Afternoon. Because the competitive skating arcs are incredibly tense, fans often turn to raw scans or digital Japanese storefronts to find out the results of a competition months before the English volume release. 3. Cultural Nuance

Figure skating is a sport of grace and etiquette. Certain honorifics and technical terms used in the Japanese original provide a level of immersion that can sometimes be slightly altered during the localization process. How to Support the Creator

If you are searching for Medalist raw manga, the best way to enjoy it while supporting Tsurumaikada is through official Japanese digital platforms. Websites like ComicDays or the digital version of Monthly Afternoon allow you to purchase chapters legally. This ensures the series continues to receive the funding it needs for its high-production-value art. The Upcoming Anime Impact

With an anime adaptation by ENGI recently bringing the story to the screen, interest in the manga has peaked. Newcomers are often surprised by the manga’s detail, leading them to search for the original source material to see how the animation stacks up against the meticulously drawn panels of the manga. Conclusion

Medalist is more than just a sports story; it’s a masterclass in character growth and visual storytelling. Whether you are a figure skating fan or just a lover of great manga, diving into the Medalist raws offers a front-row seat to one of the most compelling narratives in modern seinen manga.

Option 1: SEO / Blog Article (Informative & Detailed)

Title: Medalist Raw Manga: Where to Find the Unprocessed Chapters & Why Fans Love the Art

Introduction If you are a fan of sports manga that delivers emotional gut punches alongside breathtaking ice skating choreography, Medalist by Tsurumaikada is your next obsession. For purists and speed-readers alike, hunting down the "Raw" (Japanese language, untranslated) version is the fastest way to stay ahead of the story.

What is "Raw" Manga? "Raw" refers to the original Japanese digital scans or official e-book releases before they are translated into English or other languages. Reading the raw version allows you to see the artist’s raw pen strokes, screentones, and sound effects (SFX) exactly as intended, without text boxes covering the art.

Why Read Medalist in Raw Format?

1. The Art of Motion: Tsurumaikada’s depiction of figure skating is notoriously difficult to translate. The raw panels show incredible fluidity. Seeing the raw Japanese kanji for jump names (e.g., Axel, Lutz) often looks cleaner than translated text.
2. No Delay: Japanese digital volumes (via Kodansha) release months ahead of the English physical copies.
3. Study Tool: For artists and students of Japanese, Medalist uses a mix of sports terminology and everyday drama, making it a great raw reading exercise.

Where to Find Official Medalist Raws

• K Manga (Official): The official Kodansha platform offers the latest chapters in Japanese raw format for a small point fee.
• Bookwalker Japan: Purchase individual digital volumes (RAW) instantly.
• Magazine Pocket (App): The official Shonen Magazine app often has the first few chapters free in raw Japanese.

Warning on Scanlation Sites: While searching for "Medalist raw manga" often leads to aggregate sites, please support the creator. The series has won multiple awards (including the Next Manga Award). Buying the raw Japanese volume 11 (or latest) costs less than a coffee and ensures the story of Inori and Hikaru continues.

On the Edge of the Page: Why the Raw Manga of “Medalist” is a Masterclass in Kinetic Storytelling

In an era where digital scanlation and official translations bring manga to global audiences within hours, there remains a quiet, devoted group of fans who seek out the raw—the untranslated, original Japanese chapters. For most series, this is a simple act of impatience. For Medalist, it is an act of worship.

Serialized in Kodansha’s Monthly Afternoon since 2020, Tsurumaikada’s Medalist tells the story of Inori Yuitsuka, a girl who starts figure skating late, and Tsukasa Akeuraji, her disillusioned coach. On the surface, it’s a sports underdog tale. But in its raw, ink-and-tone form, Medalist transcends the genre.