About “Uma Musume: Pretty Derby” in a few words:

Uma Musume: Pretty Derby is a Japanese multimedia franchise that started as a mobile game before expanding into an anime series. The show follows a group of girls who are based on real-life racehorses and attend a school to train and compete in races. With elements of sports, slice-of-life, and comedy, Uma Musume: Pretty Derby has gained a devoted fanbase both in Japan and internationally.

Meet the characters from Uma Musume: Pretty Derby

Seiun Sky

Okay, Seiun Sky is like the calm, watchful one who always looks like they just stepped out of a zen garden — very composed, always observing, kind of unknowable in the best way. She’s dependable to a fault, the sort of character you imagine giving solid advice at 2 a.m. (and secretly laughing at bad jokes). Sometimes she’s oddly clumsy with small things, like can’t hold a teacup straight, which is hilarious because she’s otherwise so poised. She gives off this gentle, veteran energy but also has a stubborn streak that surprises people — doesn’t like being underestimated.

Air Groove

Air Groove is full-on elegant and classy, like she was born with a scarf and an umbrella, but also she can be quietly ruthless on the track — mentor vibes but competitive as heck. She’s the one who’ll sip tea and then, bam, drop a brutal performance that leaves everyone reeling, which is so satisfying to watch. Also loves tiny collections of porcelain and possibly has a secret playlist of upbeat jazz (don’t quote me). She’s mature and composed but has this soft, sometimes sassy inner monologue that slips out when she’s comfy.

Special Week

Special Week is that earnest sunshine ray who means well and tries her absolute hardest — painfully pure and crush-the-world enthusiastic, you know? She’s so cheerful that you can’t help rooting for her even when things go sideways, and she keeps people together more by accident than design. She cries a lot (joy, sadness, everything) which makes her super human, and she’s kind of clueless about being impressive even though she totally is. Her optimism is contagious but also, she’s stubborn — like, will-train-through-a-storm stubborn.

Mejiro McQueen

Mejiro McQueen is the refined, aristocratic type who dresses like poetry and speaks like a poem too (yes, very formal, but in a good way). She’s disciplined and cares about legacy, tradition, and doing things properly — total class act — yet she’ll binge weird snacks at midnight sometimes, which is adorable and contradictory. She has this maternal, almost scholarly aura but can go full competitive genius in races; her strategy brain is a thing of beauty. Also collects elegant ribbons, probably judges your taste in hats without meaning to.

Tokai Teio

Tokai Teio is pure, buzzing energy — loud, excitable, slightly chaotic good, bless her big heart. She performs like it’s a party and falls over like three times because she’s trying too hard to show off (and somehow it only makes you love her more). She’s goofy, has crazy determination, and cries at commercials; she’s the kind of friend who’ll text you at 3 AM to hype you up. There’s a tiny tragic streak under all that spark though, which just makes her more real and somehow braver.

El Condor Pasa

El Condor Pasa is the smooth, stylish showman — think sunglasses, windblown hair, dramatic flair and yeah, a little mysterious (and dramatic). He’s effortless on the track like he’s gliding, with this calm confidence that’s equal parts pride and “I’ll do it my way.” He’s flirtatious and a bit aloof but loyalty runs deep; also, he collects weird foreign snacks for no reason. Sometimes he’s almost annoyingly unbothered, then suddenly wildly passionate about something tiny (like vintage postcards) and you’re like, of course.

King Halo

King Halo is mischievous and playful, always ready with a smirk and a prank — but also a genuine friend who’d have your back in a snap. He’s kind of a class clown but also has surprising moments of seriousness where you realize he’s actually thoughtful and perceptive. Loves a good joke and probably owns a ridiculous amount of novelty socks; simultaneously kind of regal in vibe (hence the name) and low-key chaotic. He’ll tease you until you laugh, and then he’ll be the one to stand in front of trouble for you, no questions asked.

Grass Wonder

Grass Wonder is flamboyant and showy, all about speed and drama — like a sprinter who also judges runway walks in their spare time. He’s confident to the point of theatricality, sometimes borderline over-the-top, but there’s a nervous little core under all that bravado which makes him oddly endearing. He loves being in the spotlight and will ham it up for an audience, yet he obsesses over tiny details when training. Also, always adjusts his gloves before a race, like it’s a ritual (yes, I noticed).

Taiki Shuttle

Taiki Shuttle is the steady, reliable powerhouse — quiet leader energy, disciplined, kind of old-school and unbelievably consistent. He’s got this stoic charm where he doesn’t need to shout to be respected; people just… trust him, which is rare and nice. Underneath he’s warm and maybe has a soft spot for silly things like plush toys or retro music, which is cute and slightly out of character. He’s the backbone of a team but don’t mistake calm for boring — he’s quietly intense when it counts.

Silence Suzuka

Silence Suzuka is the image of pure speed — silent, focused, almost ethereal when she runs, and people talk about her like she’s a force of nature. She’s reserved, not big on small talk (ironic name, right?), but has this fierce loyalty and a very honest, blunt way of caring that’s actually comforting. There’s a melancholic edge sometimes, like she’s carrying more than she shows, which makes her achievements feel extra meaningful. She hates fuss but secretly loves the rare quiet compliments people give her; small contradictions, I swear.