Skate-Leading Stars

Skate-Leading Stars

Company type	Anime television series
Industry	Animation, Entertainment
Founded	January 2021 (2021-01)
Founder	Gorō Taniguchi
Headquarters	Japan
Parent	J.C.Staff

is an original anime series from Japan produced by J.C.Staff, with creation credited to Gorō Taniguchi and direction by Toshinori Fukushima. It was broadcast between January and March of 2021.

Plot

The narrative follows a group of high school boys engaged in the invented team figure skating sport known as "skate-leading." After suffering a devastating defeat to his rival, Maeshima Kensei abandons skating at the age of 11. Five years later, lacking direction and not participating in any sport, he discovers that his former competitor Shinozaki Reo has transitioned from solo skating to skate-leading. Encouraged by Shinozaki's half-brother Hayato Sasugai—who holds grudges against Reo—and supported by members of Ionodai High's skate-leading club, Maeshima makes a comeback to challenge Shinozaki once again.

Manga

A manga adaptation created by Chiaki Nagaoka with artwork by Sumika Sumio was announced in March 2020 for publication in Monthly G Fantasy. The serialization ran from December 18, 2020, until March 18, 2022. Two volumes were published between March 27, 2021, and May 27, 2022.

Anime

On December 1, 2019, J.C.Staff revealed plans for an original anime television series directed by Toshinori Fukushima, with Gorō Taniguchi serving as chief director and original character designs by Toboso Yana. The scripts were written by Noboru Kimura, character designs adapted by Yoko Ito, and music composed by Ryō Takahashi. Originally slated for July 2020 release, the series was postponed until January 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It aired from January 10 through March 28, 2021. The opening theme "Chase the core" was performed by Takao Sakuma, while the ending theme "Jump" was sung by Shūgo Nakamura.

Funimation acquired licensing rights for North America and the British Isles, streaming the series starting December 27, 2020—two weeks ahead of its Japanese premiere—and managed distribution in Europe via Wakanim and in Australia/New Zealand through AnimeLab. An English dub was announced on March 13, 2021, by Funimation and premiered the following day.

Episodes

{{Episode table | overall = | title = | titleR = | director = | directorR = | writer = | writerR = | airdate = | airdateR = | episodes =