If you are reading the raw scans, you are doing so for the art, and Tsurumaikada delivers some of the best art in the industry right now.
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
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. medalist raw manga
(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
: 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 If you are reading the raw scans, you
The manga (メダリスト), written and illustrated by Tsurumaikada, has been serialized in Kodansha's Monthly Afternoon since May 2020. As of January 2026, the series has been collected into 14 tankōbon volumes. Latest Developments & "Raw" Chapters
Recent Chapter Releases: The latest Japanese "raw" chapters include and , released in early 2026.
Plot Progress: Recent arcs focus on Inori Yuitsuka's performance at major competitions, including the Junior All Japan and the Junior Grand Prix (JGP). The story continues to explore the complex coaching relationship between Inori and Tsukasa Akeuraji, with recent chapters highlighting Tsukasa's personal growth and his need to stop overprotecting Inori from the emotions of losing.
Availability: Official Japanese chapters are released monthly in the Monthly Afternoon magazine. Digital versions of the latest chapters can often be found on the K MANGA platform by Kodansha. Series Overview Author Tsurumaikada Genre Sports (Figure Skating), Seinen Awards Next Manga Award, Shogakukan Manga Award English Publisher Kodansha USA Core Premise
The story follows Tsukasa Akeuraji, a man who abandoned his solo figure skating dreams for ice dancing due to starting too late, and Inori Yuitsuka, an 11-year-old girl who is also considered a "late starter" in the competitive world. Tsukasa becomes Inori's coach, and together they aim for the goal of becoming Olympic gold medalists while facing intense competition and societal doubt.
The Artistic Brilliance of "Medalist": Understanding the Raw Visuals
, written and illustrated by Tsurumaikada, has become a standout title in the world of sports manga. While English-speaking fans often seek out official translations, there is a dedicated community that follows the "raw" chapters—the original Japanese pages as they are first published. What are "Raw" Chapters? In the manga community, a raw refers to the untranslated, original Japanese content , these chapters are first released in Monthly Afternoon magazine by
. Fans often track these raws to see the latest developments in the story of Inori and Tsukasa before the English translation is available. Why Fans Seek the Raw Art
is renowned for its dynamic, high-energy artwork that captures the fluid motion of figure skating. Reading the raws allows fans to: Appreciate the Lettering
: Much of the impact in sports manga comes from the stylized Japanese sound effects ( onomatopoeia
) and hand-drawn dialogue that can sometimes be lost or altered in translation. Avoid Spoilers Title: Just read the Medalist Raws for Ch
is a serialized monthly manga, the Japanese release is always ahead of the physical English volumes. Observe Unfiltered Line Work
: Tsurumaikada’s use of speed lines and emotional close-ups is a masterclass in visual storytelling, often best experienced in its original format. Where to Find it Legally While unofficial "raw" sites exist, they are often considered piracy and do not support the creators
. The best way to access the latest chapters officially and support the artist is through platforms like
, which is Kodansha’s official app for reading their titles, including The Story at a Glance For those new to the series, Inori Ageumi
, an 11-year-old girl with a fierce passion for figure skating, and her coach, Tsukasa Akeuraji
. Together, they battle against low expectations and financial hurdles to reach the top of the competitive skating world. Amazon.com or more information on the upcoming anime adaptation
Title: Just read the Medalist Raws for Ch. 45... NO SPOILERS
Body: I couldn't wait for the English scanlation, so I bought the raw Japanese chapter of Medalist. Three thoughts:
Where to get it: K Manga app (set region to Japan) or Bookwalker digital JP.
Spoiler tag your comments!
In a medium saturated with supernatural battles and high-school romance, Medalist (メダリスト) carves out a niche that is as elegant as it is brutal. Written and illustrated by Tsurumaikada, this sports manga has rapidly become a critical darling, winning the 68th Shogakukan Manga Award and earning a fervent following.
While an anime adaptation is highly anticipated, many purists and dedicated fans turn to the raw manga to experience the story in its purest form. Reading Medalist in its original Japanese offers a unique window into the series' soul, where visual storytelling and cultural nuance blend to create a masterpiece of tension and triumph.