Indonesian Railway Celebrates 80 Years with Iconic Umamusume: Pretty Derby Collaboration

Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) is celebrating its 80th anniversary with a special illustration. This artwork combines traditional Indonesian heritage with Japanese pop culture, featuring characters from the anime series Umamusume: Pretty Derby, including Rice Shower and Haru Urara. The collaboration connects Indonesia's national railway celebration with the cultural impact of the Umamusume franchise.

Umamusume: Pretty Derby, created by CygamesPictures, tells stories of 'horse girls' inspired by real-life racehorses. The series blends sports competition with slice-of-life drama, attracting a global fanbase. A television adaptation is scheduled for April 2025, and its manga, Umamusume: Cinderella Gray, continues to be published.

Beyond its animated and printed forms, Umamusume has a significant cultural presence. The franchise has been featured at international events and secured sponsorships, such as with the 2025 Kentucky Derby. KAI's anniversary illustration acknowledges both its own eight decades of service and Umamusume's influence, demonstrating how anime characters can cross geographic and cultural boundaries.

The Umamusume universe continues to be active, with new in-game events and spotlight banners planned for October 2025. This collaboration between Kereta Api Indonesia and a prominent Japanese anime franchise illustrates the potential for synergy when established institutions engage with modern storytelling, reinforcing Umamusume's appeal and adaptability in various media and brand partnerships.