Reading the raw version of Medalist is a unique experience compared to other sports series for several reasons:

If your Japanese skills are still developing, do not let the raw text intimidate you. Use these strategies to smooth out your reading experience:

The series follows , an 11-year-old girl discarded by the competitive figure skating community for starting "too late". She crosses paths with Tsukasa Akejiku , a brilliant coach whose own athletic ambitions were cut short by financial and systemic failures. Recognizing Inori's terrifying grip and undeniable talent, they form a partnership to challenge the world's elite skaters. Raw (glossary term) - Fanlore

While many fans look for raw scans, supporting the author, Tsurumaikada, directly is the best way to ensure the series continues. Several platforms offer legally:

: You can purchase individual digital volumes (tankōbon) in Japanese here. Release Schedule schedule, appearing in Monthly Afternoon around the 25th of each month.

If Medalist gets cancelled due to low volume sales, those raw chapters stop being published. By paying for either the Japanese raw via Bookwalker or the English volume via Kodansha, you ensure that Inori gets to keep skating toward her Olympic dream.

Kodansha’s official app, "K Manga," releases chapters of Medalist simultaneously with Japan for a very small point fee (or free daily tickets). While the app has geographic restrictions (primarily US), using a VPN allows access. The quality here is superior to any raw scan, as it uses the original digital files.

The manga has garnered critical acclaim, including the prestigious Shogakukan Manga Award, thanks to its high-intensity artwork, accurate sports terminology, and profound character dynamics. Why Read the "Raw" Japanese Manga?

For those considering reading the Japanese raws:

Kodansha’s digital platform often hosts the latest chapters.

: As of January 2026, 14 tankōbon volumes have been released in Japan.