Winter Anime “Medalist” Adds Natsuki Hanae, Yuuki Ono, Yoshi Inagaki, Shouya Ishige to Cast! Character Visuals Also Released

A New Wave of Talent Joins the Rink!

The second season of the TV anime Medarisuto (also known as Medalist) is currently airing on TV Asahi’s nationwide network and other channels. Exciting news has arrived as it’s been revealed that four new voice actors—Natsuki Hanae, Yoshi Inagaki, Shouya Ishiguro, and Yuuki Ono—will be joining the cast. Alongside this announcement, visuals for the new characters they will be portraying have also been released!

About “Medarisuto”

Medarisuto is a TV anime based on the figure skating manga by Tsruma Ikada, serialized in Kodansha’s Afternoon magazine. The original work has won numerous awards, including first place in the Comics category of the “Next Manga Awards 2022” and the General category at the “48th Kodansha Manga Awards,” creating a major buzz. The anime is directed by Yasutaka Yamamoto, with animation production handled by ENGI. The cast features Natsumi Haruse as Inori Yuisume and Takeo Ootsuka as Tsukasa Akiraji. The first season aired from January to March 2025, and it has been decided that a film, the series’ first, depicting the story after the second season, will be released in 2027.

The story follows Inori Yuisume and Tsukasa Akiraji, who each harbor strong dreams for figure skating and meet as “skater and coach.” The second season, which began airing in January 2026, starts with Inori, having built up her record at the Nagaminato Cup and the West Japan Elementary/Middle School Championships and passed her badge tests, finally earning the right to compete at the same rank as the “prodigy” Hikaru Kanzaki. Her next goal is the Chubu Block Championship, which determines who qualifies for the All-Japan Championships. Amidst new rivals, Inori must prove she can shine the brightest.

Meet the New Characters & Cast

This latest announcement introduces us to new characters and their stellar voice cast. Natsuki Hanae will play Sakana Fuchi Shou, a temporary jump specialist coach. Yoshi Inagaki will voice Asamiya Miku, a gold medalist from the Hokkaido/Tohoku Block who belongs to the Tonan Town Lake FSC in Niigata Prefecture.

Furthermore, Shouya Ishiguro will play Kamogawa Kouhei, the head coach of the same Tonan Town Lake FSC and Tsukasa’s former clubmate. Yuuki Ono will play Shiratori Tama, a choreographer at the club who is also active as a celebrity. Each cast member has shared their enthusiastic comments on joining the project. With the character visuals now public, fans can eagerly anticipate their debut in the anime.

The second season of the TV anime Medarisuto is currently airing on TV Asahi’s nationwide network and other channels.

Full Cast Comments Below

Natsuki Hanae

“This is a work that gave me a lot of courage when I read the original, so I was very happy when I was offered the role. I felt that the passion this work possesses is like each individual’s life itself. Sakana Fuchi is a teacher who impartially teaches jumps to anyone challenging their dreams and facing struggles in the world of figure skating, which can be hot and sometimes lonely.

He’s somewhat elusive and ageless, but he gives a sense of profound experience and depth as a human being, along with absolute confidence and reassurance, and above all, you get the feeling he genuinely loves this job. So, in my performance, I’m trying to value the ‘heart that enjoys’ the growth of his students and the ‘clarity’ with which he can properly teach as a coach. I hope that, together with Sakana Fuchi, I can deliver a cheer to the hearts of everyone for all those who take on challenges. Thank you!”

Yoshi Inagaki

“Medarisuto is a work I love, and I’m always moved and given courage by the sight of everyone earnestly chasing their dreams. When I met Miku, I thought, ‘I absolutely want to play this girl!’ I remember being very nervous during the audition. So, when I got the call saying I got the role of Miku, it was like a dream and I was truly happy.

I will do my utmost to perform, cherishing her dignified, core strength and her fleeting fragility. I look forward to everyone meeting her in the broadcast! Thank you!”

Shouya Ishiguro

“I am Shouya Ishiguro, and I will be playing the voice of Kamogawa Kouhei.

I never thought I would get to live in the world of Medalisuto, so I feel joy along with surprise. I’m nervous about joining and voicing a character from the second season, but I want to perform in a way that properly brings out Kouhei’s charm. Thank you for your support.”

Yuuki Ono

“I am Yuuki Ono, playing the role of Shiratori Tama.

I originally read the manga and am also a fan who was captivated by the power of the work and the author’s dramatic, delicate, and powerful brushstrokes. I’m also the fool who, upon meeting the author for the first time at the studio, impulsively blurted out, ‘Your drawings are really amazing…’ It is an honor to participate in Medalisuto.

I would be happy if you continue to watch over the future of the work and also look forward to Tama’s appearance.”

Staff & Production Details

Main Voice Cast

New Cast Members

Opening Theme: “Cold Night” by HANA
Ending Theme: “Rookies” by Conton Candy

Broadcast Info: Airing since January 24, 2026, every Saturday at 1:30 AM on TV Asahi’s “NUMAnimation” block and other channels.
Streaming: Available on Disney+ Star and other platforms.

(C) Tsruma Ikada, Kodansha / Medarisuto Production Committee

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