The third episode of the highly anticipated anime series, Medalist, titled “Taiyaki and Cake,” aired on January 19, 2025, and continues the journey of Inori Yuitsuka, a young aspiring figure skater, and her coach, Tsukasa Akeuraji. This episode delves deeper into Inori’s struggles with confidence and introduces new characters who will undoubtedly impact her journey.
The Road to the Meikoh Cup
Following her successful Beginner Badge Test, Inori is eager to continue her progress. Tsukasa suggests that Inori should participate in the upcoming Meikoh Cup, a mid-summer ice-skating competition. This provides Inori with a concrete goal to work towards and a chance to prove her dedication to her mother, who is hesitant about her figure skating pursuits beyond middle school.
Inori is determined to show her mother she is serious by winning the Prelim category at the Meikoh Cup. However, she still feels insecure about her skills compared to other skaters. These anxieties begin to manifest as stage fright during her practice sessions.
To alleviate some of Inori’s anxieties during practice, Tsukasa decides to skate alongside her, drawing less attention to her and allowing her to feel more comfortable. Tsukasa’s demonstration of his professional ice skating skills inspires Inori. She recognizes the need to focus on perfecting her basics so she can achieve the same level of skill as her coach.
After seeing how skilled she is with spins, they move their focus towards performing a sit spin jump to help her stand out in the competition.
New Encounters at the Rink
While practicing at the rink, Inori and Tsukasa encounter Miketa Ryoka, a young skater with a bright and outgoing personality. Miketa, also known as “Mike,” quickly shows interest in Inori. Miketa is accompanied by her coach, Mario Nachi.
Initially, Miketa appears friendly and is eager to connect with Inori. However, when Inori chooses to prioritize training with Tsukasa, Miketa quickly changes her demeanor. She vows to defeat Inori in the upcoming competition, revealing a competitive and perhaps slightly petty side. This sudden shift in Miketa’s attitude adds an interesting dynamic to Inori’s journey and highlights the competitive nature of the figure skating world.
Overcoming Insecurities
A significant theme in “Taiyaki and Cake” is Inori’s ongoing battle with her insecurities. Despite her accomplishments, such as passing the Beginner Badge Test, she struggles with self-doubt. She is acutely aware of her late start in figure skating compared to other children her age, leading to feelings of inadequacy.
This lack of confidence is further highlighted when Inori defers to Tsukasa in choosing training methods, showing her inability to trust her own decisions. This demonstrates how much her lack of confidence has hindered her ability to trust and believe in her own choices.
Tsukasa, while supportive, encourages Inori to make her own decisions and build her confidence. He understands that while his guidance is beneficial, she must develop independence to succeed in the long run.
Episode Highlights
- Tsukasa’s Demonstration: Tsukasa showcases his professional ice skating skills, serving as both motivation and a learning tool for Inori.
- Meikoh Cup Entry: Inori and Tsukasa decide to enter the Meikoh Cup to build her competitive experience.
- Introduction of Miketa Ryoka: The episode introduces Miketa, a new rival who quickly goes from friendly to competitive, adding an element of tension to Inori’s journey.
- Inori’s Confidence Struggle: The episode emphasizes Inori’s struggle with confidence and her tendency to rely on others for decision-making.
Where to Watch
The Medalist anime series is produced by ENGI and is available for streaming on Disney+. In Japan, it also airs on various channels such as TV Asahi, BS Asahi, and CS TV Asahi, and can be streamed on platforms like ABEMA, Niconico, and Hulu.
Looking Ahead
Medalist episode 3 sets the stage for further character development and competitive challenges for Inori. As she prepares for the Meikoh Cup, she will need to overcome her insecurities and develop greater independence. The interactions with Miketa will likely push her to improve further. The series promises to be a compelling and visually stunning exploration of the world of figure skating and personal growth.
The series, based on the manga by Tsurumaikada, has gained significant attention and praise for its authentic depiction of figure skating and its emotionally charged narrative. The main characters, Inori Yuitsuka and Tsukasa Akeuraji are voiced by Natsumi Haruse and Takeo Otsuka, respectively. The anime premiered on January 4, 2025, in Japan.
