If you're looking for the Medalist raw manga (the original Japanese version by Tsurumaikada), here is everything you need to know about its release, where to find official copies, and the series' current status. Quick Facts: Medalist (メダリスト) Author/Artist: Tsurumaikada Monthly Afternoon (Kodansha) Serialization Start: Current Status: 14 tankōbon volumes released as of January 2026 Seinen, Sports (Figure Skating) Where to Read Raws Officially
The term "raw" refers to the original Japanese scans before any translation. To support the creator, it is best to access these through official Japanese platforms: Monthly Afternoon (Kodansha)
: New chapters are released monthly in the digital and physical versions of the magazine. Comic Days
: This is Kodansha’s official digital manga platform where you can read the latest chapters of in Japanese as they are released. Amazon Japan (Kindle)
: You can purchase individual digital volumes (tankōbon) in Japanese here. Release Schedule schedule, appearing in Monthly Afternoon around the 25th of each month.
Collected volumes are released every few months. As of early 2026, the series has reached Why Read the Medalist Raws? Stunning Art:
Tsurumaikada is renowned for highly detailed, dynamic figure skating sequences that often look best in their original, unedited high-resolution format. Avoid Spoilers: Since scanlations or official English translations (by Kodansha USA
) can sometimes lag behind, reading the Japanese raws is the only way to stay completely up-to-date with Inori and Tsukasa’s journey. latest volume cover
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
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
If you want, I can summarize key raw chapters, list skating element terminology used in the manga, or provide a concise scene-by-scene analysis of a notable on-ice performance. Which would you prefer?
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: 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. medalist raw manga
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.
For Medalist (メダリスト), the proper paper format for a raw manga (digital scan) typically refers to the original Japanese magazine publication or the tankōbon (volume) release.
Here is the breakdown of what you’d look for in "proper paper" quality:
1. Best Quality: Tankōbon (Volumes) – Kodansha
2. Magazine Quality: Monthly Afternoon (月刊アフタヌーン)
3. Digital "Raw" (Official e-Book)
What to search for if you want the physical paper raw scans:
Note: As of 2026, Medalist has been collected into multiple tankōbon volumes (ongoing). The best "proper paper" experience is the Japanese tankōbon, not the magazine, because the art is reprinted on better stock with touch-ups.
If you meant "proper paper" for printing a fan translation yourself — use matte coated paper, 80–100gsm, with 300 DPI and bleed (3mm) on B5 size (182mm x 257mm) to match the original tankōbon dimensions.
(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
The World of Medalist Raw Manga: A Comprehensive Guide
In the realm of manga, there exist various genres and formats that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. One such format that has gained significant attention in recent years is the "medalist raw manga." For those unfamiliar with this term, it refers to a type of raw, untranslated manga that has been gaining popularity worldwide. In this article, we'll delve into the world of medalist raw manga, exploring its origins, characteristics, and what makes it so appealing to fans.
What is Medalist Raw Manga?
Medalist raw manga, also known as "raw manga" or "untranslated manga," refers to manga that has not been officially translated or published in a specific language, often due to licensing issues or limited market demand. The term "medalist" is derived from the Japanese word "medaru," meaning "medal," which is often associated with awards or achievements. In the context of raw manga, "medalist" refers to the high-quality, professionally published manga that has not been officially licensed for translation.
Origins of Medalist Raw Manga
The concept of raw manga has been around for decades, with fans often sharing and trading untranslated manga scans online. However, the term "medalist raw manga" emerged more recently, particularly among online communities and forums. These communities, comprised of fans and collectors, share and discuss raw manga scans, often providing detailed summaries, translations, and analysis.
The rise of medalist raw manga can be attributed to several factors. The increasing popularity of manga worldwide has led to a growing demand for untranslated content. Additionally, the internet and social media have made it easier for fans to access and share raw manga scans, creating a vast network of enthusiasts.
Characteristics of Medalist Raw Manga
Medalist raw manga typically possesses certain characteristics that set it apart from officially published manga. Some of these characteristics include:
Why is Medalist Raw Manga So Popular?
The popularity of medalist raw manga can be attributed to several factors:
Challenges and Controversies
While medalist raw manga has its advantages, it also raises several concerns:
Conclusion
Medalist raw manga represents a unique aspect of the manga fandom, offering fans early access to new content, exclusive material, and a sense of community. However, it also raises important questions about copyright infringement, quality, and the impact on the industry. As the popularity of raw manga continues to grow, it is essential for fans to consider these factors and to support creators and publishers through official channels.
Where to Find Medalist Raw Manga
For those interested in exploring the world of medalist raw manga, several online platforms and communities provide access to raw manga scans. Some popular options include:
The Future of Medalist Raw Manga
As the manga industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the concept of medalist raw manga develops. With the rise of digital platforms and streaming services, fans now have more opportunities than ever to access officially published and translated manga. However, the allure of raw manga remains strong, and it is likely that the community will continue to thrive.
In conclusion, medalist raw manga represents a complex and multifaceted aspect of the manga fandom. While it offers many benefits, it also raises important questions about copyright, quality, and the impact on the industry. As fans, it is essential to be aware of these factors and to engage with the content in a responsible and respectful manner.
(メダリスト) is a sports-drama masterpiece that captures the grueling, high-stakes world of competitive figure skating with breathtaking intensity. Serialized in Kodansha's Monthly Afternoon
, this award-winning series by Tsurumaikada has quickly become a standout for its raw emotional power and dynamic art. Plot & Themes
The story follows Inori Ageuta, an 11-year-old girl who has been written off by her family but harbors a burning desire to skate. She crosses paths with Tsukasa Akeuraji, a former skater who missed his chance at greatness due to being "too old" for the sport's rigid timeline. Bound by their shared status as underdogs, they form a partnership to take on the world of elite figure skating.
The "raw" experience of this manga—reading the Japanese original—is particularly rewarding for several reasons: Visual Impact
: Tsurumaikada’s art is explosive. The "raw" panels use kinetic lines and unique paneling to convey the sheer speed and physical strain of jumps like the Axel or Lutz in a way that feels visceral. Authentic Tone
: The Japanese dialogue captures the nuances of the mentor-student relationship (teacher/student dynamics) and the specific, often harsh terminology used in the Japanese skating circuit. Emotional Stakes
: It deconstructs the "cute girl" sports trope by showing the literal blood, sweat, and psychological toll required to reach the podium. Why Read the Raw Manga? Reading the latest chapters directly from Kodansha's K Manga Monthly Afternoon allows fans to: Stay Ahead
: Avoid spoilers and follow the intense tournament arcs as they release. Appreciate the Craft
: Experience the hand-drawn lettering and SFX (onomatopoeia) that are often lost or altered in translations. Support the Creator
: Accessing official Japanese digital storefronts or buying the Japanese tankōbon volumes is the most direct way to support the series' longevity.
is a must-read for anyone who loves high-tension sports narratives. Its ability to balance heartbreaking character growth with technical sports accuracy makes it one of the most compelling series in modern manga. or where to find official digital platforms to read it?
If you're looking for the "raw" (original Japanese) version of the
manga, it is serialized in Kodansha's Monthly Afternoon magazine. Because it is a monthly series, new Japanese chapters typically drop around the 25th of each month. Where to Find Official Japanese "Raws"
To support the creator, Tsurumaikada, you can access the original Japanese content through these official channels:
Comic Days: This is Kodansha's digital platform where you can read the latest chapters in Japanese. Some early chapters are often available for free.
Pocket Shonen Magazine: Another official app/site by Kodansha that hosts the series. If you're looking for the Medalist raw manga
eBookJapan or Amazon JP: Best for purchasing digital copies of the Japanese tankōbon (collected volumes). As of early 2026, there are 14 volumes available. Series Overview Author: Tsurumaikada. Genre: Sports (Figure Skating), Seinen.
Plot: The story follows Tsukasa Akeuraji, a skater whose dreams were cut short, and Inori Yotsuda, a young girl with an intense passion for the ice. Together, they aim for the Olympics as coach and student.
Acclaim: The manga is highly regarded for its dynamic art and emotional depth, winning both the Next Manga Award and the Shogakukan Manga Award.
If you prefer reading in English, Kodansha USA handles the official translation, which is usually a few chapters or volumes behind the Japanese release. Medalist TV Review | Common Sense Media
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.
Medalist: Why You Should Experience the Raw Manga If you’re a fan of sports drama, intense character growth, and breathtaking artistry, then Medalist (メダリスト) by Tsurumaikada is a title that needs to be on your radar. While the English translations are catching up, many fans are flocking to the Medalist raw manga to stay ahead of the curve.
Here is why this figure skating masterpiece is capturing hearts and why the raw chapters are worth your attention. The Story: A Second Chance on Ice
Medalist follows Tsukasa Akeuraji, a man whose dreams of professional figure skating stardom were crushed by the harsh realities of age and timing. Just as he settles into a life of "what ifs," he meets Inori Yotsuda, a young girl with an undeniable passion for the ice but little support from the world around her.
The story isn't just about winning gold; it’s a grueling, emotional look at the technical and psychological demands of figure skating. It’s a "rebound" story for Tsukasa and a "blossoming" story for Inori. Why Fans Seek Out the Raw Manga
The Medalist raw manga is serialized in Kodansha’s Monthly Afternoon. Here’s why the Japanese raws are so popular: 1. The Art is a Visual Symphony
Tsurumaikada’s art style is explosive. The mangaka uses unique paneling and "motion lines" that make you feel the centrifugal force of a triple axel. When you read the raws, you experience the original, unedited vision of these layouts. The raw ink work captures the sweat, the tension in the skates, and the sheer elegance of the performances in a way that transcends language barriers. 2. High-Stakes Competition
The manga is currently in the midst of intense competitive arcs. For die-hard fans, waiting months for a localized volume is impossible. Accessing the raw chapters allows readers to follow Inori’s progress in real-time as she faces off against prodigies like Hikaru Kamisaki. 3. Emotional Nuance
Figure skating is a sport of performance and storytelling. In the raw text, the specific kanji used for the characters' inner monologues often carry layers of meaning regarding their "burning desire" to win. Even if you only understand basic Japanese, the visual storytelling in Medalist is so strong that the emotions hit home regardless. Technical Accuracy
Unlike many sports manga that rely on "superpowers," Medalist is grounded in reality. It breaks down the scoring system (IJS), the difference between edges, and the brutal physical toll the sport takes on young athletes. Reading the raws gives you an unfiltered look at the diagrams and technical notes provided by the author, who clearly does extensive research. Where to Read
To support the creator, it is always best to access the raws through official Japanese platforms:
Comic Days: Kodansha’s digital platform often hosts the latest chapters.
Monthly Afternoon: The physical or digital magazine where Medalist is serialized. Conclusion
Medalist is more than just a sports manga; it’s a testament to the idea that it’s never too late—or too early—to chase a dream. Whether you are looking at the Medalist raw manga for the stunning art or to keep up with Inori’s journey to the top of the podium, you’re in for an emotional ride.
Here is content tailored for "Medalist Raw Manga" — suitable for a blog post, a manga database entry, a Reddit post, or a fan site.
I have broken it down into different formats depending on where you plan to post it.
For non-Japanese speakers, reading the Medalist raw is a puzzle. You lose the sharp, emotional dialogue and the technical coaching jargon. However, you gain pacing. You linger on a spread for thirty seconds because you have to decode the body language, not just the text.
The raw also offers a first glimpse at Tsurumaikada’s unedited art. Before typesetting and digital cleanup, you sometimes see the ghost of a pencil line, a corrected arm position, or a finger smudge. It is a window into the creator’s frantic, passionate process—fitting for a manga about a sport measured in tenths of a point.
Tsurumaikada is a master of the chapter-ending cliffhanger. Whether Inori is about to land her first double Axel or facing a rival's flawless performance, the tension is unbearable. For fans who have caught up to the official release (currently at Volume 10 in English as of late 2024), waiting months is torture. Hunting down the raw releases (typically chapters 40+) allows them to see the visual conclusion of a competition, even if they can’t read the dialogue.
Medalist is already considered a modern classic, winning the Next Manga Award and the Kodansha Manga Award. But its raw form is the definitive experience. It reminds us that manga is not just literature with pictures—it is sequential art where the physical act of drawing is the performance.
To read the raw Medalist is to sit rinkside without a commentator. You don’t need to understand Japanese to feel the cold air, the sting of a fall, or the roar of a crowd. You just need to watch the lines dance.
Where to find it legally: The raw chapters are available for purchase digitally on platforms like Comic Days (Kodansha) and BookWalker Japan (region-dependent). For the true fan, buying the raw tankoubon (collected volumes) is the ultimate way to appreciate the art without screen glare.
The search for medalist raw manga is a testament to the series' addictive power. It is a story so good that fans are willing to brave language barriers and copyright gray areas just to see the next page five minutes earlier.
However, the modern manga landscape offers a solution. You can have your cake and eat it too. Purchase the digital Japanese Monthly Afternoon for the raw experience, then buy the English volume for the deep translation when it drops. By doing so, you graduate from a thief of time to a true fan—one who helps keep the spotlight shining on one of the greatest sports manga of the decade.
Don't pirate the raw. Buy the volume. Watch Inori soar. Critical highlights
Have you read the official release of Medalist? Where do you currently stand on the raw vs. translation debate? Let us know in the comments below.
Disclaimer: This article does not endorse or provide links to unauthorized raw manga sites. Always read manga through official channels like K Manga, Kodansha, or Bookwalker to support the creators.