The beloved multimedia franchise 'Umamusume Pretty Derby' is set to expand its horizons with the announcement of the new anime series 'Umamusume Cinderella Gray,' slated to premiere on TBS stations across Japan starting April 2025. This upcoming series will be presented as a split two-cour run, allowing for extensive storytelling drawn from the popular manga originally serialized in 'Weekly Young Jump.'
Fans of the franchise can rejoice as the latest teaser PV, along with character visuals, has also been unveiled, showcasing the vibrant atmosphere of the series. The lead cast members include prominent voice actors such as Tomoya Takayanagi voicing Oguri Cap, Naomi Ozora as Tamamo Cross, Mariya Ise as Fujimasa March, Momoko Seto as Belen Light, and Katsuyuki Konishi as Nozomi Kitahara. Each character promises to bring their unique traits to life, enhancing the already dynamic narrative.
'Umamusume Cinderella Gray' brings to the forefront the captivating story of Oguri Cap, a character with roots from the original racing horses, known for her overwhelming abilities on the track. This uplifting “Cinderella story” follows her rise from obscurity at the Kasamatsu Training Center to becoming someone who defies the odds and earns recognition. The manga has already established itself as a beloved favorite, boasting over six million copies sold since its inception.
The influence of the 'Umamusume' franchise continues to grow. The series features anthropomorphized characters based on real-life racehorses, such as Special Week, Silence Suzuka, and Tokai Teio, appealing to fans of both anime and horse racing alike. With its unique cross-media development encompassing games, manga adaptations, and anime, the series has been instrumental in popularizing aspects of horse racing culture among younger audiences.
The new anime's storyline will be supervised by experienced hands, with Yuki Ito taking the director's chair, scripting led by Kanda Kichi, and character designs by Takuya Miyahara and Keigo Sasaki. The animation production duties fall to CygamesPictures, which is recognized for its previous work on the franchise.
Special commentary from cast members adds personal insights to the highly anticipated project. Momoko Seto, voicing the character Belen Light, expressed her excitement about being part of such a lovingly crafted project, sharing, "I am delighted to contribute to 'Umamusume Cinderella Gray' which is filled with love and passion!" She aims to portray her character's personal growth alongside Oguri Cap to resonate with audiences.
Katsuyuki Konishi, who portrays Nozomi Kitahara, elaborated on his dream fulfillment by participating as part of the show. He exclaimed, "This is not just a dream! I am so excited and slightly nervous! Let's support Oguri Cap together!" His enthusiasm mirrors the sentiments of the fans eagerly awaiting the series' release.
Meanwhile, Mariya Ise couldn't hide her joy upon receiving the news of her role as Fujimasa March, stating, "I was so thrilled when I heard I got the part! I love horses!" She highlighted her memorable experiences with horse riding, emphasizing her determination to embody her character with sincerity.
Finally, Naomi Ozora, who lends her voice to Tamamo Cross, displayed her anticipation by sharing her history with some of her co-stars, having previously performed together on live stages. Ozora remarked, "It feels like the moment we've all been waiting for! Together, we will push our limits and strive for excellence!"
The anime adaptation aims to not just entertain but to deliver powerful narratives surrounding teamwork, aspirations, and perseverance. This notable expansion coincides with the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the racehorse Oguri Cap, adding to the historical significance of the launch.
Overall, 'Umamusume Cinderella Gray' is bound to capture hearts when it premieres, enriching the universe of 'Umamusume Pretty Derby.' With its original storytelling, beloved characters, and dedicated cast, viewers can anticipate another exciting chapter for this already vibrant franchise.
