Overview of The Medalist’s Success
- “The Medalist”has emerged as an unexpected sensation during the Winter 2025 anime season.
- Current manga sales indicate that “The Medalist”is surpassing competitors, including “Sakamoto Days.”
- The series captivates audiences with its ice skating theme, high-quality CGI choreography, and resonance with fans of “Yuri on Ice.”
In This Article
The Winter 2025 Anime Season is filled with numerous strong contenders, yet only a few anticipated that one series would stand out as a major success. While many fans eagerly awaited the return of beloved franchises like Solo Leveling and The Apothecary Diaries, it is a newcomer, The Medalist, that has captured significant attention and acclaim.
This anime is currently being streamed globally on Disney platforms, aligning its release with the Japanese broadcast schedule, enhancing its accessibility and appeal.
Oricon Charts Indicate Rising Popularity
The latest Oricon manga sales report indicates a strong performance for The Medalist, with several of its 12 volumes ranking among the top 50 best-selling manga in Japan last week.
Medalist continues to be the anime of the season with half of its volumes already dropping on the weekly charts!! pic.twitter.com/PmuBFntvjP — 寿 三井 (@Josu_ke) February 7, 2025
In contrast to the previous week, the series experienced a slight sales decline of just 1%, indicating stable sales figures. Notably, it is outperforming Sakamoto Days, which has been promoted as a major anime sensation. This achievement speaks volumes for a niche series that is quickly gaining traction.
Interestingly, Sakamoto Days likely involved a heftier production budget compared to The Medalist. Thus, maintaining consistent sales numbers bodes well for the latter’s prospects within Japan’s competitive market.
Additionally, The Medalist recently topped Niconico’s poll for Most Popular Anime of Winter 2025, further affirming its unexpected success.
What Makes The Medalist So Appealing?
Watch The Medalist Trailer
The Medalist tells the inspiring story of a girl determined to excel as a figure skater. After encountering challenges, she receives guidance from a former skater, propelling her journey towards excellence.
While the series employs CGI for choreography sequences, viewers have responded positively to the animation quality. Sports anime have long enjoyed popularity due to their dynamic storytelling and relatable characters. The appeal of following a determined and talented girl as she confronts obstacles to achieve her dreams resonates universally.
Moreover, The Medalist taps into the loyal fanbase of Yuri on Ice, especially after the disappointing cancellation of its anticipated movie. Fans draw parallels between the two series, as both share themes of passion, artistry, and the competitive spirit, even as they explore distinct narratives.
You can catch The Medalist streaming on Disney+ and Hulu, making it readily available for fans worldwide.
For further insights, check the references: X (formerly Twitter) and Oricon.
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