The creative force behind Medalist is , a manga artist hailing from Aichi Prefecture in Japan. This region is famously known as a hub for figure skating, a background that significantly influenced the setting and subject matter of their debut work. The deep, technical knowledge of the sport displayed in the manga is a direct result of this personal connection. Tsurumaikada's sharp, expressive linework and ability to realistically depict the physics of skating while also drawing exaggerated, hilarious character expressions have become a trademark of the series.
The latest Japanese "raw" chapters include and , released in early 2026 .
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) medalist raw manga
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 . You linger on a spread for thirty seconds because you have to decode the body language, not just the text.
: Tsurumaikada’s art is incredibly expressive. The manga utilizes sweeping lines, intricate panel layouts, and intense facial expressions to mimic the real-time velocity of ice skating. Fans often read the raw version purely to appreciate the raw cinematic choreography before knowing the exact dialogue translation. Current Status and Manga Timeline (2026) The creative force behind Medalist is , a
The narrative follows , an 11-year-old girl who has been told her whole life that she is "useless". When she meets Tsukasa Akeuraji —a coach who abandoned his own dreams after failing to go pro—their partnership becomes a desperate, beautiful attempt to prove the world wrong.
If you already use Kindle, you can create an Amazon.co.jp account to purchase the Japanese editions of Medalist . This allows you to keep your raw manga collection organized alongside your other digital books. Tips for Reading Raw Manga Without Fluency To support the creator, it is best to
Look closely at a raw chapter depicting a botched combo jump. The artist doesn’t just draw the skater on the ice; they draw the micro-expressions —the millisecond where Inori’s ankle pronates, the coach’s shadow stretching in horror, the other competitors’ averted eyes. Because the raw has no narrative boxes to explain the feeling, the art must be the feeling. It is visceral, sometimes grotesque, and utterly beautiful.
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