Umamusume: Pretty Derby[a] is a Japanesemultimedia franchise created byCygames. The franchise centers onanthropomorphizedracehorses known asUmamusume (ウマ娘;lit.'horse girls'), who compete in races inspired by real-liferace tracks managed by theJapan Racing Association. Most of the characters are named and modeled after actual racehorses, reflecting their namesakes' personalities, racing records, and relationships with other racehorses.[b] Initially announced in 2016 as amobile game, the franchise soon expanded to include multipleanime series,manga, and live concerts.
The game was scheduled to debut in late 2018 foriOS andAndroid devices, but it was delayed to a February 2021 release, with aWindows client releasing a month later onDMM Games. The game was later released onGoogle Play Games in April 2023. The game was released in Korean byKakao Games and Traditional Chinese by Komoe Game in June 2022, with the former language getting a PC version in a stand-alone client a year later, then later in Simplified Chinese byBilibili in August 2024. An English-language edition was released worldwide in June 2025 for the aforementioned platforms, alongside aSteam release for both the Japanese and English versions.
The franchise has been received positively, both domestically in Japan and worldwide following the game's global release in 2025. The franchise has also had a significant cultural impact, with observers notably remarking its positive impact to the sport of horse racing and bringing awareness to the stories of racehorses.
Umamusume: Pretty Derby is set in afictional universe similar to the real modern world but featuring the titular Umamusume, femalekemonomimi with the ears, tails, and capabilities ofhorses who live alongside humans and replace actual horses in the franchise's setting. Many Umamusume are inspired by real-lifeThoroughbred racehorses of the past and present who seek fame and fortune as both racers andidols by competing inorganized races akin tomiddle-distance andlong-distancetrack events. The series centers on Umamusume who attend the elite Tracen Academy inTokyo and train to compete in the Twinkle Series of professional races organized by the Umamusume Racing Association (URA). The main stories across the series are focused on specific Umamusume and loosely based on the racing careers of the racehorses they are based on.
The main anime series depicts the journeys of various Umamusume who are affiliated with Team Spica, a racing team at Tracen Academy. Each season is a direct follow-up to the previous one, though the historical content greatly varies based on the real-life racing careers of the focused character.
The first season featuresSpecial Week, who aspires to become the best Umamusume in Japan, all while idolizingSilence Suzuka's style and wanting to reach the same heights as her and their friends withKing Halo,El Condor Pasa,Seiun Sky, andGrass Wonder. The story is based on Special Week's races from 1997 to 1999.[2]
The second season featuresTokai Teio, who continues to persevere despite suffering multiple injuries that endanger her career and struggling to remain one of the best racers of her generation that includesMejiro McQueen,Rice Shower, andMihono Bourbon. The story is based on Tokai Teio's races from 1991 to 1993.[3]
The third season featuresKitasan Black, who aims to win on her own merits through her camaraderie and friendly rivalry withSatono Diamond, while also facing a new generation of Umamusume such asDuramente,Satono Crown, andCheval Grand. The story is based on Kitasan Black's races from 2015 to 2017.[4]
Road to the Top andBeginning of a New Era respectively featureNarita Top Road andJungle Pocket in the rivalries that defined their generation of Umamusume, with Narita Top Road facing off againstT. M. Opera O andAdmire Vega, and Jungle Pocket againstAgnes Tachyon,Manhattan Cafe, and Dantsu Flame.[5][6] They are based on events surrounding theClassic races of 1999 and 2001.
Cinderella Gray and its anime adaptation depict the races betweenOguri Cap, who transfers from the regional racing scene to the Twinkle Series, and rivals of the previous and next generations that includeTamamo Cross,Inari One, andSuper Creek. The story is based on Oguri Cap's races from 1987 to 1990.
Star Blossom depicts the races ofSakura Laurel and her peers such asSakura Bakushin O,Mayano Top Gun, Marvelous Sunday, andNarita Brian, as she aspires to achieve acclaim through defeating Narita Brian and racing at thePrix de l'Arc de Triomphe in spite of her fragile body. The story is based on Sakura Laurel's races from 1994 to 1997.
Part 2 of the main story focuses on the efforts of Team Ascella and the journeys of Tiara Umamusume, who are characters based onracemares. The story is based on the races run by racemaresRhein Kraft,Cesario, and Fusaichi Pandora in the mid-2000s, and features a supporting cast such asKing Halo,Air Messiah, and Daring Heart.[9][10]
Career gameplay interface, featuring the traineeDaiwa Scarlet.
Umamusume: Pretty Derby is asports simulation game that allows players, who are referred to in-game as "trainers", to raise and train Umamusume to compete in races whilst achieving the Umamusume's individual goals. Players collect two types of units through the game'sgacha system: playable Umamusume or "trainees," and support cards that provide skills and bonuses.[11]
The main gameplay mode, "Career," lets players choose a scenario, trainee, and support cards, then work to achieve specific goals. Players must also factor in the trainee's preferred terrain type, track distance, and running style in order to perform well. The game operates on a calendar system, with each action or turn taking up half a month, requiring strategic planning and balancing of the actions to be taken.[11]
The calendar used is based on the real-life JRA's race schedule, with the races that players can enter being based on their real-life equivalents, such as theJapan Cup or theArima Kinen. Succeeding scenarios would also allow players to enter international races, notably the FrenchPrix de l'Arc de Triomphe and the AmericanBreeders' Cup.[11][12][13]
Players use turns to raise their trainee's five attributes (speed, stamina, power, guts, and wit), rest to restore energy, or enter races to earn skill points and fans. Additionally, random events can occur during a Career attempt that may grant additional stats, skills, and buffs or debuffs, as well as positively or negatively impact the trainee's mood, which affects training effectiveness and race performance.[11]
Completing or failing a trainee's goals, as well as reaching certain stat totals and acquiring skills, grants stats and potential skills known as "sparks". These can be passed down to trainees as "legacies," allowing them to inherit these and be strengthened in future Career attempts.[11]
Alongside the Career, players can also partake in other game modes, including thePvP "Team Trials" and "Champion's Meeting" races, where players use their best trainees and compete against each other in a set of races for various rewards, and "Legend Races," where players race against notable Umamusume to gain rewards and upgrade their trainees.[11]
The game was announced on March 26, 2016, during Cygames' panel at that year'sAnimeJapan event. Concept art for the project's various characters and an animated trailer byP.A. Works were revealed during the event, alongside the project's brief.[14] The game was set to be released in late 2018;[14] however, it was delayed by Cygames in order to further polish the game's quality, with its new release date pushed back to February 24, 2021.[15] The PC version was released on March 10, 2021, onDMM Games, then later on April 19, 2023, onGoogle Play Games.[15] AYouTube channel titledPakatube! (ぱかチューブっ!,Pakachūbu!) was launched on March 25, 2018, to promote the game, prominently featuring Gold Ship.[16] As of May 2025[update], there are 114 playable horse girls in the game. Part 2 of the main story was released in March 2024.[9]
On February 15, 2022, Komoe Game announced the release of a traditional Chinese version of the game app for Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau, and pre-registration began on April 27.[17] The traditional Chinese version was officially released on June 27, 2022.[18][19] In South Korea,Kakao Games released on June 20, 2022, and pre-registrations, which began on April 28, 2022, exceeded 1 million in 10 days.[20][21] A PC version for the Korean version was released on June 15, 2024. In China,Bilibili released a simplified Chinese version on August 30, 2023, and pre-registrations, which began on August 4, 2023, exceeded 1 million in 10 days.[22]
On June 24, 2024, aPaka Live TV livestream onPakatube! announced the release of an English version of the game.[23][24] As part of promotions for the English version launch, Cygames entered into sponsorship deals with several prominent U.S. horse racing events, and a booth was operated atChurchill Downs where attendees are able to play a demo ofUmamusume: Pretty Derby.[25] On April 27, 2025, aPaka Live TV livestream announced its release date, along with a PC version onSteam for both the Japanese and English versions. Pre-registration started on April 28, 2025, and the game was released on June 26, 2025.[26]
A manga series written and illustrated by S. Kosugi, titledStarting Gate! Umamusume: Pretty Derby (STARTING GATE! -ウマ娘 プリティーダービー-,Stātingu Geito! Uma Musume Puritī Dābī), was serialized on Cygames'Cycomi website from March 25, 2017,[46] to November 23, 2019.[47]Kodansha originally published the series in fourtankōbon volumes, released from July 2017 to March 2019.[48][49] A new edition byShogakukan was released digitally starting in July 2020,[50] with an additional fifth and sixth volume released in June and July 2021.[51] The volumes were later published in print with new cover artworks from November 2021 to March 2022.[52][53] Based on the setting of the CD dramaSpecial Today! containing lore before the P.A. Works anime adaptation,[54] the story focuses on the school life of the Umamusume before their debut as racers.
A four-panel manga series titledUmayon (うまよん), written and illustrated by Jet Kuma with storyboards by Jin Itō, was serialized on Cygames'Cycomi website from March 30, 2018,[62] to January 15, 2021.[63] The chapters were compiled into a booklet included with the anime adaptation'sBlu-ray release on December 8, 2021.[64]
Another manga series, titledUmamusume: Cinderella Gray (ウマ娘 シンデレラグレイ,Uma Musume Shinderera Gurei), produced by Junnosuke Itō, written by Masafumi Sugiura, and illustrated by Taiyō Kuzumi, was serialized inShueisha'sWeekly Young Jump from June 11, 2020,[65] to December 25, 2025.[66] The first collectedtankōbon volume was released on January 19, 2021.[67] As of December 2025[update], twenty-two volumes have been released.[68][69]
Another manga series that focuses on the "food" of Umamusume, titledUmamusume: Pretty Derby – Uma Musumeshi (ウマ娘 プリティーダービー うまむすめし), written by Tsukumo Asakusa, began serialization on Cygames'Cycomi website on March 1, 2023.[91] As of September 2025[update], six volumes have been released by Shogakukan.[92]
Another manga series, titledUmamusume: Pretty Derby – Star Blossom (ウマ娘 プリティーダービー スターブロッサム,Umamusume Pretty Derby: Sutā Burossamu), written by Monjūsaki and illustrated by Shin Hotani, began serialization inShueisha'sShōnen Jump+,YanJan! app andTonari no Young Jump website on April 10, 2023.[99][100][101] As of September 2025[update], five volumes have been released.[102][69]
A gag comedy manga series that follows the antics ofGold Ship as akindergartener,[107] titledUmamusume: PisuPisu☆SupiSupi Golshi-chan (ウマ娘 ピスピス☆スピスピ ゴルシちゃん), written and illustrated by Naoki Shibata, began serialization inShogakukan'sWeekly CoroCoro Comic manga website on November 29, 2023.[108] As of October 2025[update], six volumes have been released.[109]
The franchise has also received ananime television series adaptation which ran from April 2018 to December 2023 in three seasons, produced byP.A. Works for the first season and assisting on production for the second season andStudio Kai for the second and third seasons, and streamed byCrunchyroll.[116][117][118] Alongside the main anime, there are also three spin-off shorts series, oneONA, one film, and one spin-off anime series.
Umamusume Pretty Derby: Sprinters' Story (舞台「ウマ娘 プリティーダービー」〜Sprinters' Story〜) was performed from January 15 to 29, 2023, in Stellar Ball, Shinagawa Prince Hotel, Tokyo. Performances from January 16 to 26 were canceled due to theCOVID-19 pandemic, but resumed on January 27.[119] The stage play features Daitaku Helios as the main character, with its story based on the events leading to the 1991Sprinters Stakes.[120][121][122][123]
The game received "generally favorable" reviews from critics, according toreview aggregator websiteMetacritic.[124] Critics praised the diversity of content offered, gameplay depth that encourages replay value, and character writing which respects their real-life inspirations. However, critics have also criticized the monetization through the gacha system as being predatory and the gameplay potentially being difficult for casual players.[125][126][127][128][129]
The mobile game, within ten months of release, grossed nearlyUS$965 million (¥142.7 billion) in Japan by December 2021, making it the ninth-highest-grossingmobile game in 2021.[130][131] The game has since generated over$2.5 billion (¥375 billion) in revenue as of March 2025, making it one of the most profitable mobile games in Japan.[132][133]
Following its global release in June 2025, the game generated$45.4 million worldwide for the first 30 days, of which 50.3% comprised sales outside Japan. Among international markets, the United States accounted for 68% of all overseas spending and 34% of total global revenue.[134][135]
The manga spin-off,Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray, was nominated in the seventhNext Manga Awards for the Best Print Manga category and placed second of 50 nominees afterOshi no Ko.[150][151][152]
The franchise has had a significant cultural impact, particularly in Japan, becoming a multi-billion dollar multimedia franchise. The franchise also consistently emphasizes universal themes like perseverance, teamwork, personal growth, and overcoming challenges, which resonate with a broad audience.[153] While its primary market is Japan, the game has also been released in other Asia-Pacific territories, and an English version was eventually released, indicating its broader global impact.[154]
Masayuki Gotō, a chairman of theJapan Racing Association, showed his gratitude toUmamusume: Pretty Derby for its positive influence on the horse racing community in an interview onWeekly Gallop published in December 2021.[155] The franchise has also helped bring awareness to retired racehorses represented within the franchise, such asHaru Urara andNice Nature, allowing them to receive donations from the franchise's fans.[156][157][158]
The franchise was also commented by media observers to contribute to a significant revival ofhorse racing pop culture, such as idol performances, slice-of-life elements, and a global sporting powerhouse.[11][159] The popularity of the game's idol culture can be observed with various covers and dance videos of one of the game's songs,"Umapyoi Densetsu" (うまぴょい伝説, "Umapyoi Legend"), being uploaded to social media.[160] In January 2023,"Umapyoi Densetsu" was awarded a Gold streaming certification by theRecording Industry Association of Japan for reaching over 50 million streams.[161][162][163]
In September 2025, a Cygames developer reflected on the overseas launch ofUmamusume, noting initial uncertainty about how a game rooted in Japanese horse racing culture would be received internationally. Despite these concerns, the title was met with a positive response following its June 2025 global release, aided by its established multimedia presence through anime and manga, as well as careful globalization that preserved Japanese cultural elements while making them accessible to international audiences.[164] The developer reported that overseas players quickly became a significant share of the game's mobile revenue and expressed hope that the game might also foster greater interest in horse racing outside Japan.[165]
Within the first week ofUmamusume's global English language release on June 26, 2025, Steam's player charts revealed that there was a consistent rate between 15,000 and 30,000 players,[166] with content creators such asLudwig Ahgren andNorthernlion enjoying the game, as well as Cygames' panel atAnime Expo 2025 having life-sized statues of some of the characters. Many people on social media have commented on the racing aspect of the game, driving interest and awareness towards the real-life horses the characters are based on.[167]
Following its global release, cosplayers and fans of the franchise began appearing at horse racing events around the world. In the United States, meet-ups were held atTurf Paradise in Arizona and atSanta Anita Park in California during the Cygames-sponsoredAmerican Oaks,[168] where fans experienced horse racing live for the first time. Observers believe thatUmamusume: Pretty Derby can impact American horse racing despite skepticism towards its positive effects, as horse racing enthusiast Nathan Klein points out how the sport's initial perception of being "an old man’s sport and a gambling den" has softened in the wake of the franchise's popularity, with a younger audience becoming drawn and interested in horse racing and its stories.[169][170]
Cosplayers and fans also appeared at horse racing events inSoutheast Asia, with event organizers endorsing them. Notable examples include the Queen's and King's Cups of Thailand, the Merdeka Cup of Malaysia, and theIndonesia Derby and the Piala Raja Hamengkubuwono X of Indonesia, where participating venues and organizers including theRoyal Bangkok Sports Club and Indonesian event promoter Sarga Co. acknowledged fans and invited them to visit in cosplay, sometimes also organizing cosplay races on the track, and participate in fan art competitions portraying local racehorses.[171][172]
During the2025 NFL season, some fans of theDenver Broncos began to attend games while cosplaying asUmamusume characters. Additionally, an online trend of posting Broncos highlight reels set to the game's theme song started to gain traction.[173]
In August 2021, Cygames andParamount Pictures announced a collaboration in Japan betweenUmamusume: Pretty Derby andTop Gun: Maverick.[174] Mayano Top Gun – whosenamesake horse was also named in part afterthe original 1986Top Gun film – was named a special advertising pilot, and the collaboration featured her in an alternate version of the movie's poster, with her voice actress, Mio Hoshitani, additionally interviewing some of the cast and crew of the movie.[174]
A collaboration campaign withStarhorse 4 was held on July 20, 2022, and February 2023, which added background music, chat stamps, and a Career scenario titled "Grand Masters" featuringStarhorse series race commentator Kiyoshi Sugimoto to the game.[175][176][177]
Collaborations with Japanese sports magazineSports Graphic Number and horse racing magazineWeekly Gallop were released on October 20, 2022, and October 22, 2023, respectively, featuring special feature articles on the franchise, alongside special illustrations of severalUmamusume characters.[178][179][180]
In October 2025, as theUmamusume: Cinderella Gray anime adaptation aired onTBS at the same time as live action horse racing dramaThe Royal Family, Oguri Cap was featured in promotions alongside Umamusume personifications of Royal Family and Royal Hope, two of the main horses in the show.[184]
Alongside these, minor collaborations have also been held. Haru Urara and Oguri Cap appeared in Cygames'Shadowverse card game as crossover characters.[185][186] Select characters from the franchise were also chosen as participants inLove Live!'s 15th anniversary tribute album released in was January 2026. Tokai Teio, Oguri Cap, Gold Ship, Still in Love and Almond Eye were named as the singers of a cover ofBokura wa Ima no Naka de by µ's, the opening theme of Season 1 of theSchool Idol Project anime.[187][188][189]
^"次回ガチャ更新情報や新育成シナリオ情報など！「ぱかライブTV Vol.61」発表まとめ！" [Next gacha update information and new training scenario information etc.! " Paka Live TV Vol.61" Announcement Summary!].Umamusume: Pretty Derby (in Japanese). Cygames. January 28, 2026. RetrievedJanuary 28, 2026.
^ラブライブ！シリーズ15周年記念トリビュートアルバム [Love Live! Series 15th Anniversary Tribute Album].ラブライブ！シリーズ15周年記念トリビュートアルバム (in Japanese). Lantis.Archived from the original on January 3, 2026. RetrievedJanuary 5, 2026.
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