Umamusume: Pretty Derby Stars Rice Shower & Haru Urara Mark KAI's 80th Anniversary in Special Artwork

Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) recently celebrated its monumental 80th anniversary with an extraordinary and captivating cultural collaboration, unveiling a special illustration that has swiftly garnered international attention and delight among fans. This commemorative artwork prominently features two of the most cherished characters from the globally acclaimed Japanese multimedia franchise, Umamusume: Pretty Derby: the elegantly formidable Rice Shower and the perpetually cheerful Haru Urara. This unique partnership is far more than a simple celebration of KAI's significant milestone; it powerfully underscores the expansive cultural reach and profound popularity of the Umamusume franchise, demonstrating its ability to extend its vibrant influence far beyond its Japanese origins and into diverse international entertainment spheres.
Umamusume: Pretty Derby, a visionary creation from Cygames, plunges audiences into an imaginative world where anthropomorphized racehorses embody the spirit and legacy of real-life champions. This innovative franchise masterfully blends exhilarating sports themes with heartwarming slice-of-life narratives and gripping dramatic arcs, a compelling combination that has cultivated a devoted and ever-expanding global fanbase since its inception. The strategic selection of Rice Shower and Haru Urara for KAI's anniversary artwork resonates deeply with enthusiasts, skillfully tapping into both the nostalgic affection for historical racehorse legacies and the irresistible contemporary appeal of their meticulously crafted, vibrant character designs.

This impactful cross-cultural initiative stands as a brilliant testament to the flourishing synergy between Japanese pop culture and the broader Asian entertainment landscape. KAI, as a leading Indonesian railway company, strategically leveraging such a beloved anime property, exemplifies how thoughtful collaborations can effortlessly transcend geographical boundaries to forge meaningful connections with diverse audiences. Beyond this notable anniversary artwork, the Umamusume universe continues its dynamic expansion, consistently engaging its community through a prolific output of compelling original anime series, critically acclaimed manga adaptations such as Umamusume: Cinderella Gray, and a myriad of immersive in-game events. This continuous stream of content ensures the franchise's enduring presence and unwavering relevance in the competitive global entertainment market, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon that bridges past and present, local and global, through captivating storytelling and memorable characters. This partnership with KAI further amplifies its global footprint.
Credits
Umamusume: Pretty Derby
Author
Cygames (original concept)
Cover Art
Cygames art team
Studio
P.A.Works
Publisher
Cygames
Producers
Umamusume: Cinderella Gray
Author
Masafumi Sugiura (writer), Taiyō Kuzumi (illustrator)
Cover Art
Taiyō Kuzumi
Studio
Shelter
Publisher
Shueisha
Producers