Cygames' hit project, "Uma Musume Pretty Derby," has been a massive sensation since its mobile game launch, with its anime and merchandise collaborations also soaring in popularity. This year marks the mobile game's 4th anniversary. And since its English Steam release in late June, it's been making waves and sparking a unique trend across Western communities.
Recently, Japanese netizens noticed a new wave of "Original Uma Musume" creations from players in the US and Australia. The twist? These characters aren't just fan-made; they're inspired by "famous horses from their own countries" and even "horses they once owned on their farms." This heartwarming trend has Japanese netizens showering praise, calling it "full of love" and drawing significant attention.
The tweet that first caught everyone's eye came from a user who expressed surprise: "I initially thought they just enjoyed creating characters in the Uma Musume style, but then I realized these characters were anthropomorphized versions of horses they'd actually raised on their own farms!"
The user in question is American Twitter user うぃあ (@retiredstarmiya), who shared that this was a horse they once owned—a black horse that had been a companion through many years but has since passed away. After getting into "Uma Musume Pretty Derby," they decided to design their beloved horse as an Uma Musume as a tribute, hoping their departed companion would know how much they're missed.
The horse's name was Black Orchid, and the user designed her Uma Musume form to reflect Black Orchid's personality. This deeply moved many netizens, who were touched by how "Uma Musume Pretty Derby" could inspire such heartfelt sentiment.
This story resonated with many, with comments like: "This reminds me of how people anthropomorphize deceased pets; that love is truly touching." "I never expected to see such a moving story from an overseas Uma Musume fan—their passion for horses truly shines!" and "This is pure love."
It's not just the US; an Australian illustrator has also joined the trend. User @Bubbletchi shared their Uma Musume designs for three legendary Australian mares, garnering widespread likes. Many exclaimed that they "could feel the genuine emotion" in these real-life beloved horses transformed into fictional characters.
Naturally, especially in the US, horses have been an inseparable part of human life since the pioneer days of the West. In areas like Texas, it's common to find ranches within residential zones.
In contrast, Japan's high barrier to horse ownership makes it difficult for the average person to own a racehorse. This means that such a blend of "personal emotion and character creation" is less common in Japan, highlighting a clear cultural difference.
While "Uma Musume" originally developed from Japan's horse racing culture, it has now evolved into a distinctly different "personalized creation culture" overseas. Through the Uma Musume format, players can extend their emotional connection with their beloved horses. This "anthropomorphized" creation isn't just entertainment; it's a powerful form of remembrance and emotional expression.
via： togetter