Serialized in Kodansha’s Monthly Afternoon since 2020, Tsurumaikada’s Medalist tells the story of Inori Yuitsuka, a girl who starts figure skating late, and Tsukasa Akeuraji, her disillusioned coach. On the surface, it’s a sports underdog tale. But in its raw, ink-and-tone form, Medalist transcends the genre.
: For those looking for translated versions, Kodansha USA handles the official English digital and print releases.
: Beyond the skating, the "raw" facial expressions of Inori and her rival, Hikaru Kamisaki , capture the intense psychological pressure of elite competition. 3. The Road to the Olympics medalist raw manga
is the un-translated, original Japanese version of Tsurumaikada’s award-winning figure skating masterpiece. Reading the "raws" allows fans to access the most up-to-date story developments months ahead of the English volumes, while preserving the author's unaltered artistic choices, sound effects, and character nuances.
The "raw" manga is particularly noted for Tsurumaikada's dynamic and expressive art style: : For those looking for translated versions, Kodansha
A former ice dancer coaches a young girl who was told she started too late to become a medalist, featuring great art and humor. TikTok·tymunculus
It is worth noting that the English translator for Medalist , skillfully handled by John Thomas (with lettering by Susie Lee), adds immense value. Figure skating terminology is obscure. A "raw" reader might see a complex diagram of a jump rotation and have no idea if it represents a "Flutz" (a flutz is a Lutz jump gone wrong) or a "Euler." The translator's notes in the official release explain these nuances, turning a confusing panel into an educational moment. The Road to the Olympics is the un-translated,
. The best way to access the latest chapters officially and support the artist is through platforms like
: An 11-year-old girl with a burning passion for skating but a late start that makes many consider her a lost cause. Tsukasa Akeuraji
Medalist is already considered a modern classic, winning the Next Manga Award and the Kodansha Manga Award. But its raw form is the definitive experience. It reminds us that manga is not just literature with pictures—it is where the physical act of drawing is the performance.