First exhibition of "Medalist"

The first ever "Medalist Exhibition" of Tsuruma Ikada's figure skating manga "Medalist," which was also ranked first in the comics category at the "Next Manga Awards 2022," opened on August 13th at the Matsuya Ginza 8th floor Event Square (Chuo-ku, Tokyo). The exhibition features new illustrations by Tsuruma Ikada drawn specifically for the exhibition, as well as moving scenes, footage of famous scenes from the TV anime, and figure skating costumes, making it an exhibition that allows viewers to experience the appeal of "Medalist" and the fun of figure skating. Original merchandise featuring the newly drawn illustrations will also be on sale. The exhibition will run until September 2nd and is scheduled to tour nationwide.

The "Tsuruma Sensei Area" will feature exhibits of original artwork, croquis, setting materials, and other valuable materials. Tsuruma's sketchbook will also be on display, allowing visitors to get a glimpse of the moment when the characters and story were born. The synopsis and name of "Jump ga Tobenai," which is said to have been the prototype for "Medalist," will also be on display for the first time. Visitors can also see Tsuruma's impressive charcoal drawings of the characters.

The interactive "Traces on Ice" experience lets visitors feel as if they are skating on an ice rink. The trajectory of the skates appears on the floor in real time in response to the visitors' movements, and they can also experience the realistic sound of the ice being scraped.

The special video theater will screen Yuzaku Inori's "Flower Fairy" performance from the TV anime "Medalist." This is an experiential content where the audience can press the "GOE +5" button at the moment they are moved while watching the video. There will also be an audio guide provided by voice actors Natsumi Haruse as Yuzaku Inori and Takeo Otsuka as Takeo Otsuka. The price is 800 yen.

"Medalist" is a manga by Tsurumai Ikada that has been serialized in the manga magazine "Monthly Afternoon" (Kodansha) since 2020. The story follows Akiura Michiji, a young man who has failed as a skater, who meets Yuzuki Inori, a girl who dreams of becoming a figure skater, and aims to become a glorious medalist as both a coach and athlete.

The first season of the TV anime aired from January to March on TV Asahi's late-night anime slot "NUMAnimation." There is also talk that the second season will air in the same slot from January 2026.