Been seeing cute horse girls everywhere you go lately? You’ve just discovered the Japanese craze known as Umamusume, a franchise about anime horse girls racing each other to achieve their dreams, spawning everything from games and manga to anime, movies, and collab cafes.
With the Umamusume: Pretty Derby game being released globally for the first time on 24 June 2025, these adorable horse girls have been racing across Twitch, TikTok, and meme threads.
But where did this addictive game begin? Let’s hit the track…
What is Umamusume: Pretty Derby?
Umamusume: Pretty Derby is a Japanese multimedia franchise that blends the worlds of horse racing, anime idols, and gacha gaming into a uniquely charming phenomenon.
Originally launched as a mobile game in 2021 by Cygames, the franchise features anthropomorphic “horse girls”—anime-style characters with horse ears and tails—who race competitively and perform as pop idols (but only when they win!).
These characters aren’t just cute designs; they’re inspired by real-life Japanese racehorses. For example, the character Special Week mirrors the career and spirit of the legendary racehorse of the same name. The personalities, backgrounds, and even some race outcomes in the game and anime reflect the histories of their real-life counterparts, adding a unique layer of depth and lore that resonates with fans of horse racing and anime alike.
The Umamusume franchise includes a successful anime series, manga, films, live concerts, and all manner of merchandise.
Why is Umamusume: Pretty Derby going viral now?
If it first came out in 2021, why is it only going viral now? Well, it’s because the game was only just released worldwide in June 2025. With its recent worldwide release, Umamusume: Pretty Derby is galloping full speed into the mainstream—and it shows no signs of slowing down.
Where can I play Umamusume: Pretty Derby?
Umamusume: Pretty Derby is available on:
Alternatively, if you’re looking to brush up on your horse-racing vocabulary, you could try the Japanese versions:
Ready to hit the track?
For all the latest in Japan’s horse girls as they take over the world, head to the Umamusume official website. Take your position at the starting gate and get ready to run—you’re about to debut, training to become the number one Umamusume.
Umamusume FAQs
What is the meaning of Umamusume?
"Umamusume" (ウマ娘) in Japanese literally translates to "horse girl." The characters in the game and associated media are based on real-life racehorses and are depicted as young women with horse ears and tails.
Why is Umamusume so popular?
Umamusume is so popular because it combines many enjoyable elements into one place: cute anime girls, horse racing, idol culture, dynamic animation and compelling stories of perseverance and determination.
How many Umamusume are there?
As of May 2025, there are 114 playable umamusume in Umamusume: Pretty Derby. They are a mix of popular characters across the game, anime, and manga series.
What are gacha games?
Gacha games are free-to-play games that take on the addictive element of gacha machines, giving you a chance to unlock characters at random by using in-game currency or real money. Collecting these characters—or trying to unlock your favorite character—can keep people engaged with a game for months, if not years!
