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Ski and Jump Sequel Announced After 12-Year Hiatus

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, February 2nd 2026 at 4:03 GMT by Koimoi
      Locales: JAPAN, UNITED STATES

Monday, February 2nd, 2026 - The anime world is abuzz with the news that Ski and Jump (Yuki no Joke) will return for a sequel after a twelve-year hiatus. The announcement has been met with widespread excitement, but it has also brought renewed attention to the uncertain fate of another beloved queer sports anime, Given, which has languished without updates since 2019.

Both series occupy a unique space in anime - blending the intensity of athletic competition with nuanced portrayals of LGBTQ+ relationships. While both have garnered dedicated fanbases, their current trajectories are starkly different. Ski and Jump is poised for a comeback, while Given remains stuck in developmental limbo, leaving fans wondering if they'll ever see a continuation of its story.

Ski and Jump centers on Yuta Takizawa, a talented skier whose life is dramatically altered by an accident that causes blindness. Encouraged by his brother, Kodai, Yuta embarks on a challenging journey to rediscover his passion for skiing, navigating the physical and emotional hurdles of competing at a high level. The anime distinguishes itself through its focus on brotherly bond, perseverance, and the raw emotions surrounding overcoming adversity. The narrative is known for its heartwarming and relatable characters, appealing to a broad audience beyond just sports anime enthusiasts.

In contrast, Given explores the world of high school musicians, specifically a band formed around the grief-stricken Mafuyu Sato. The series delicately depicts the blossoming romantic relationships between band members Ritsuka Uenoyama, Haruki Nakayama, Mafuyu Sato, and Shion Maeda, weaving their personal stories with the creative process of songwriting and performing. The anime is celebrated for its sensitive handling of grief, intimacy, and self-discovery within the context of a budding musical group. It gained a reputation for its beautiful animation, evocative soundtrack, and realistic portrayal of queer adolescence.

The disparity between the two shows' fortunes raises questions about what factors contribute to a sequel's viability. While both have passionate fanbases, Ski and Jump's continued engagement seems to have played a crucial role in securing its continuation. Online discussions, consistent fan art, and perhaps sustained merchandise sales have likely signaled to the production committee a continued demand for more content. Industry analysts suggest that a show's longevity isn't solely dependent on initial popularity, but on its ability to maintain a consistent presence and foster ongoing community engagement.

Given, however, has seen a slowdown in fan activity in recent years. This isn't necessarily indicative of waning interest, but could be attributed to the lack of new material fueling the fanbase. The absence of updates has led to a sense of uncertainty, and many fans have shifted their attention to other ongoing series. The lack of communication from the production team has exacerbated the situation, leaving fans feeling disconnected and disheartened.

Furthermore, the production landscape of anime has become increasingly complex. Licensing, funding, and scheduling conflicts can all contribute to delays or cancellations. While Given's first season was well-received, securing the necessary resources for a second season may have proven challenging. It's possible that budgetary constraints, creative differences, or even personnel changes have hindered progress.

Fans of Given are actively campaigning for a second season, utilizing social media hashtags and online petitions to demonstrate their continued support. They hope that the success of Ski and Jump's sequel will serve as a reminder to the industry of the demand for well-crafted queer sports anime and encourage the revival of Given.

The future remains uncertain for Given. Will it follow in the footsteps of Ski and Jump and return to screens? Or will it remain a cherished but incomplete memory? Only time will tell. However, the announcement of Ski and Jump's sequel serves as a potent reminder that fan passion and consistent engagement can make a significant difference in the life of an anime, and that hope, even after a long wait, is never truly extinguished.