[Video] Takeo Otsuka:"His smile is more genius than anyone else's!" "Medalist" "Medalist'' Mr. Tsukasa's famous quote is passionately performed live

The first ever "Medalist Exhibition" of Tsurumai Ikada's figure skating manga "Medalist," which was also ranked first in the comics category at the "Next Manga Awards 2022," will be held at the Matsuya Ginza 8th floor Event Square (Chuo-ku, Tokyo) from August 13th. A press conference was held on the same day, where voice actors Haruse Natsumi, who plays Yuzuki Inori, and Takeo Otsuka, appeared. Otsuka passionately recited one of Tsukasa's famous lines, "A smile is more genius than anyone else!"

At the press conference, original merchandise for the exhibition was introduced, and Otsuka mentioned his favorite item, the "Praise Calendar" (2,750 yen), a daily calendar that collects scenes of Tsukasa giving compliments. He carefully selected a compliment from the calendar, and powerfully performed the one that Tsukasa gave to Inori in the story: "Your smile is more genius than anyone else's!", which brought a beaming smile to Haruse.

The exhibition will feature new illustrations drawn by Tsuruma specifically for the exhibition, as well as moving scenes from famous TV anime, figure skating costumes, and more, making it an exhibition where you can experience the charm of "Medalist" and the fun of figure skating. Original goods featuring the newly drawn illustrations will also be on sale. The exhibition will run until September 2nd, and is scheduled to tour the country.

"Medalist" is a manga 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.