Umamusume: Pretty Derby Dev Urges Fans to Respect Rules When Visiting the Real-Life Japanese Racehorses Inspiring the Anime

Well, here I am, rambling about some wild gaming universe where horses are, believe it or not, anime girls. I know, crazy, right? So there’s this Japanese game developer, Cygames, who’s put out rules for fans wanting to see these real-life horses (yeah, they exist) that inspired the animated characters in Umamusume: Pretty Derby. This game just got its global release in June. Finally!

Anyway, Umamusume’s world is nutty. Horses are reborn as adorable anime ladies with horse ears and tails. Started as an anime in 2018, and then this game hits Japan in 2021. Players get to chat, train, and manage characters like Special Week. Yep, they even have names. Players share the ups and downs, and man, it’s got a cult following now. Everyone’s obsessed with the real racehorses that inspired them.

But here’s the kicker. Some fans, in their horse-girl craze, have been causing a ruckus when trying to visit these horses. Apparently, some disturb their peace, and it’s driving the owners up the wall. Cygames, with a big sigh, released some guidelines — kind of a “how-not-to-annoy-real-horses” list. Important stuff like not barging into ranches, and please, keep it down; horses get spooked by noise and flashing cameras.

There’s this 9-rule guideline, concocted by the Racehorse’s Hometown Info Center. Oh, it’s a real thing. First couple of rules? Just ask before you go. Seems simple enough. They also say, listen to staff, no smoking, and seriously, don’t just wander into stables. The rest is all about respecting the horses. Don’t yell, no flash photography, and keep your fingers to yourselves.

Meanwhile, Cygames cosies up to Japanese horse racing circles, showing up at these events, promoting their mobile game, and even donating to the Retired Racehorse Association of Japan. They teamed up with the Kentucky Derby too; back in May they had a booth where you could try Umamusume: Pretty Derby. Wild, huh?

Curious to try it? Well, you’re in luck. You can get Umamusume: Pretty Derby in English on Steam, Google Play, and the Apple App Store. And if you’re more of an anime binge-watcher, all three seasons are up on Crunchyroll.

That’s that. By the way, I’m Verity Townsend. I’m based in Japan and I scribble down thoughts on games, Japanese culture, you name it. I’ve even edited stuff for Automaton West. Anyway, maybe give the game or anime a whirl, if you like quirky horse stories. Or not. Your call.