Tsurumaikada marked a milestone for one of manga's most influential publications by creating a special illustration celebrating Monthly Afternoon's 40th anniversary. The artwork showcases Inori Yuitsuka and Tsukasa Akeuraji—the protagonists of Medalist—alongside a commemorative "40th Anniversary" card. Kodansha plans to release original merchandise featuring the illustration.

Monthly Afternoon, first published in December 1986, has established itself as a home for acclaimed manga across multiple genres. The magazine's catalog includes beloved series like Ah My Goddess, Parasyte, Blade of the Immortal, Genshiken, Big Windup!, Knights of Sidonia, and Blue Period. More recent hits like Skip and Loafer and The Darwin Incident continue the magazine's tradition of discovering standout creators.

Medalist itself arrived at Monthly Afternoon in May 2020, becoming one of the magazine's success stories. The series follows competitive figure skating and has since expanded beyond manga. An anime adaptation premiered in January 2025, with a second season arriving just a year later in January 2026. A feature-length film is scheduled to release in 2027, giving the series a significant presence across multiple media.

The timing of Tsurumaikada's anniversary contribution reflects the creator's connection to the magazine during a particularly strong period for Monthly Afternoon's properties in animation. Kodansha also operates Good! Afternoon, a sister magazine launched in November 2008, further extending its reach in the manga publishing space.

For fans of Medalist and Monthly Afternoon readers alike, the anniversary merchandise will offer a tangible way to celebrate four decades of the magazine's impact on manga culture. The collaboration between creator and publisher underscores how Monthly Afternoon continues to nurture talent while honoring its legacy.