Cygames' hit project, Uma Musume Pretty Derby, has been a massive talking point since its mobile game launch, sparking popular anime adaptations and merchandise collaborations. This year marks the mobile game's 4th anniversary, and with its Steam English version dropping in late June, it's even carved out a unique niche in Western fandom.
But it's not just the West! A Thai X (formerly Twitter) user recently shared an incredible story: Thailand's once-struggling horse racing scene is making a comeback, all thanks to a wave of young fans who got hooked on "Uma Musume." The tracks are buzzing with renewed energy, and this unbelievable turnaround has become a hot topic among Japanese netizens.
The Thai X user revealed that Thailand's horse racing scene was practically on its last legs, with almost zero public interest. But now, a surge of young "Uma Musume" players has breathed new life into it, slowly bringing back its popularity. The buzz is so real that even the Thai Horse Racing Association is now hosting novel events like Cosplay Running Activities at the tracks—something previously unthinkable! The entire community is absolutely electric.
Over on the Thai horse racing fan page on Facebook, they're getting swamped daily with new fans messaging them, asking, "What's the history of Thai horse racing?" The sheer volume of inquiries has even prompted the official association to actively step up and share stories from the past.
And naturally, just like in other regions, Thailand's famous past racehorses are now getting the "Uma Musume" treatment from local players. They're being reimagined as adorable characters, complete with original backstories and designs.
This has brought the stories of these legendary horses into the spotlight, captivating a wider audience. While only a handful of people truly knew these tales before, "Uma Musume" has sparked widespread interest.
However, Thai horse racing doesn't have an official grading system, so it can't host "G1" or "G2" graded races like other countries. But there's a locally recognized, top-tier series of races called the "Royal Cup." These events kick off with a military band playing the "Royal Anthem" as opening music, making for an incredibly ceremonial experience!
Thai cosplayer khunbbie⁹⁹⁹ ( @BambieBeneko ) also shared that in Thailand, you can spot cosplayers almost everywhere you go! It's a place where everyone is free to chase their dreams, making the cosplay scene incredibly competitive.
Now, "Uma Musume" isn't just boosting race attendance; tons of fans are even cosplaying at the tracks to watch the races, forming a truly unique and fun community.
"Uma Musume" was originally built on Japanese horse racing culture, but it's now evolving into diverse forms across the globe. We've previously covered how American netizens anthropomorphized their deceased beloved horses because of "Uma Musume," and now we have this incredible example from Thailand, where it's revitalized local horse racing events. Perhaps, more than the game itself, this kind of cultural ripple effect is truly astonishing.