Inori Yuitsuka

The Medalist Movie is a new theatrical film for Medalist, one of the most praised sports anime of recent years. It opens in Japanese theaters on February 19, 2027. Studio ENGI returns to make it, and Yasutaka Yamamoto continues as director. Jukki Hanada writes the screenplay, and Chinatsu Kameyama designs the characters. The film was announced in January 2026, and it tells the story that comes after the second TV season. Medalist is based on a manga by Tsurumaikada, which runs in Kodansha's Afternoon magazine. The first anime season aired in January 2025 with 12 episodes. Its figure skating scenes, and its emotional story, won many fans. A second season followed in January 2026 with nine more episodes, and the movie was confirmed right after. The story is about two people who both have something to prove. Inori Yuitsuka is a young girl who loves figure skating more than anything. But she started late compared to other skaters, and many adults, even her own family, doubt that she can succeed. People often tell her she is not good at things, and she has little confidence in herself. Tsukasa Akeuraji is a young man who once dreamed of skating too. He was never able to reach the top as a competitor, partly because he also started too late. He sees himself in Inori, and he decides to become her coach. Together, they aim for the highest goal in the sport: skating on the world stage, and one day winning an Olympic medal. The show gives a close look at the real world of junior figure skating. It explains jumps, spins, scores, and competitions in clear, exciting ways. It also shows the hard parts: pressure from parents, money problems, injuries, and the fear of falling in front of judges. Inori's main rival is Hikaru Kamisaki, a skater of the same age who is already a champion. Their rivalry drives much of the story. According to promotional details, the film picks up after Inori and Tsukasa win a regional competition in the Chubu area of Japan. That win gives Inori a place at the national junior championship, where she will face Hikaru in competition for the first time. Because the movie is not yet out, this overview covers only this setup. The series is known for its warm, powerful relationship between coach and student, and for skating animation that feels fast and full of life. Watch both TV seasons first to enjoy the film fully.