【Uma Musume】Charm #1: Cute
Isn't cuteness a very important aspect of a work? (lol) Before watching, I had some concerns and doubts about the anthropomorphized horses, but with the horse-face, I couldn't imagine them being that cute... However, once it started, all the characters were personified in a very cute way, just as you'd expect from a major company, and elements of the horses they were based on were also incorporated, so there was nothing to complain about!
【Uma Musume】Charm #2: A Wide Variety of Characters
Honestly, there are so many Uma Musume characters that it can take quite a while to match their names with their faces (lol). But that also means you have a wide variety of Uma Musume to choose from, with so many different looks and personalities, you're sure to find at least one that suits you. It could be a horse you like in real life, or a horse you fell in love with in the anime. Be sure to choose your favorite horse!
【Uma Musume】Charm #3: Youth
Since the subject matter is horse racing, I thought it might have a bit of a gambling feel, but the story is actually quite simple and sports-themed. The story follows the characters as they try hard, fail, deepen their bonds with their teammates, grow, defeat powerful enemies and aim for victory. The script is so good that you'll empathize with them and find yourself rooting for them.
[Uma Musume] Appeal #4: Storytelling
The way it's presented is masterful, and it's truly captivating to watch. Especially the racing scenes. It's not just about a quick win, but it shows the process leading up to it, the emotions the characters are feeling, and the outcome. It has just the right amount of humor, and the story is well-crafted and very captivating.
[Uma Musume] Charm #5: Recreating Historical Facts
While you might think it was just borrowing the name of a real horse, it depicts the horse's actual race results, and even captures the horse's emotional state at the time, a uniquely anime-like experience. Anyone who watched the race live will likely be immersed in sentimental memories, reminiscing about what it was like at that moment. The scene where Suzuka breaks her leg was recreated exactly as it happened, from the commentary to the exact location of the accident, which I think is truly amazing. However, there were some parts that couldn't be recreated due to adult circumstances...
【Uma Musume】Charm #6: The Disappointment of Reproduction
The main character, Special Week, wins the first race and displays other incredible driving skills, giving the impression of a genius, overpowered protagonist. However, since the story is based on historical facts, he loses quite a bit. I assumed it would be an anime, so they'd make various changes for convenience, but even the main character loses, and the anime adds additional details that reveal what he must have been feeling behind the scenes, which is fantastic.
【Uma Musume】Charm #7: Don't Miss the Details
This is an extension of the historical reenactment, but it doesn't just recreate the results and the big picture. It also accurately reflects interviews with the jockeys and the horses' physical condition at the time. It even recreates the details that make you wonder, like when they made a move on this slope, or how many meters they were able to catch up. The production team's seriousness is really conveyed by adding what the jockey was thinking at the time when this was set up as the Uma Musume's feelings.
【Uma Musume】Charm #8: Recreating Their Appearance
The Uma Musume characters recreate the appearance and personality of real horses, and even their coats, colors, and temperaments are based on historical facts, adding a unique touch to the anime. I know I'm being repetitive, but I think any horse racing fan will be pleased with the finished product and feel like, "Oh, this horse looks like this." I think Gold Ship's personality is especially well-represented.
[Uma Musume] Charm #9: Serious Commentary
The anime is so serious that former jockey and horse racing commentator Junko Hosoe is in charge of live commentary. The commentary is as realistic as the original live broadcasts.
[Uma Musume] Charm #10: Daily Life
Naturally, the non-racing parts are also well-crafted, and the friendship between Special Week and Silence Suzuka is particularly touching. The charm of this series is that it's moving not only in the races but also in the everyday parts. It's truly wonderful to see Spica's bonds deepen and how she overcomes setbacks.
[Uma Musume] Charm #11: I also recommend Take Yutaka
Well, speaking of the commercials (lol), Take Yutaka is giving his all in the Uma Musume commercials. That's right, I also recommend Take Yutaka! That alone is more than enough to make it appealing (lol). Plus, she even appears as a commentator.
[Uma Musume] Charm #12: Lots of Laughter
The comedy parts are an essential part of this series' appeal. While the races and training sessions are serious, the daily life parts incorporate quite a lot of gags. You'll be laughing quite frequently from the first episode, so if you're worried it might be too serious, don't worry. It's also very entertaining in the sense that it makes you laugh.
【Uma Musume】Charm #13: A lineup of fantastic voice actors!
This is surely something many people are interested in when watching anime. With so many characters, there are, of course, many voice actors. And yet, none of them currently play multiple roles. Many popular voice actors, including Azumi Waki and Marika Takanashi, appear, so be sure to check them out.
【Uma Musume】Charms Summary!
Above all, it's cute, makes you laugh, and makes you cry—that's all there is to it. I'm sure this will spark an interest in horse racing for many people, and vice versa. It would be great if Uma Musume could be the catalyst for a positive synergy between the anime world and the horse racing world, two worlds that don't seem to intersect much. So, if you haven't seen Uma Musume yet, I'm sure you won't regret it, so please do. Thank you for reading to the end!
