Worldbuilding Details
The Umamusume universe is similar to the real world, with few details in history altered to fit the narrative of the world. This page lists these details found across the Umamusume multimedia franchise.
Umamusume-Friendly Inventions
Telephones
Perhaps the most notable invention, telephones in the Umamusume universe have been elongated, so that the receiver reaches the Umamusume's ear, while the transmitter is still able to reach her mouth.
Due to the existence of long telephones, smartphones in the Umamusume universe have also been elongated to complement their older counterpart, as well as serve the same utility as older telephones. The creation of Umamusume phones has similarly resulted in the elongation of the smartphone "call" icon.
Running Lanes
As Umamusume are capable of running at speeds faster than both bicycles and cars, cities provide them with their own lane, with a raised speed limit so they can commute safely through the city. They appear in the same position as bicycle lanes on a normal street.
This concept was first introduced in the universe during Season 2 of the anime, when Tokai Teio utilizes these lanes for race training.
Social Media
Social media platforms in the Umamusume universe often take on Umamusume inspired names, such as UmaTok (TikTok), UmaTube (YouTube), Umastagram (Instagram), and LANE (LINE). These platforms provide the same exact use as their real-life counterparts, the only difference being the name change.
Headphones
Because an Umamusume's ears are on the top of their head, as opposed to the side like a regular human, the designs of headphones must be altered in order to fit their ears.
As depicted in the first image, headphones in the Umamusume universe are relatively similar to normal headphones, however they are upside down, and go around the Umamusume's head, as opposed to just resting on top of her skull.
On a similar note, the shape of earbuds for Umamusume also have to be altered, in order to rest in her ear comfortably, which is why the shape of the earbuds in the second image are triangular.
-
PakaLive Announcement key visual. -
WINNING LIVE 12 album cover.
Chairs
Chairs in the Umamusume universe have holes in the back for an Umamusume's tail to rest in, as to not cause discomfort.
Historical Landmarks
Within the Umamusume universe, many famous historical landmarks have been altered, all of them brandishing horse ears and a horse tail.
Moai Statues
Based off of the famous (Moai) statues on (Easter Island), these thirteen foot tall statues bare horse ears on top of their heads. These statues made their first appearance in Season 3.
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty in New York City had its torch replaced by a carrot and was given horse ears, and a tail. It made its first appearance in Road To The Top.
Art
Japanese Woodblock Prints
Based on the famous woodblock ukiyo prints of the 1800s, the Star Blossom introduction page shows two ukiyo woodblock prints altered to feature Umamusume.
The first art is based on an ukiyo print named Horse Racing at Shinobazu Pond by Ikuhide Kobayashi, circa 1885-1895. The horses and jockeys are replaced with Umamusume, wearing yōfoku (Western clothing).
-
Horse Racing at Shinobazu Pond by Ikuhide Kobayashi -
Star Blossom version of Horse Racing at Shinobazu Pond
The second art is based on Katsushika Hokusai's Sekiya Village on the Sumida River from the series Thirty-six views from Mount Fuji, circa 1830-1832. The horsemen galloping towards Mount Fuji are replaced with sprinting Umamusume.
-
Sekiya Village on the Sumida River by Katsushika Hokusai -
Star Blossom version of Sekiya Village on the Sumida River
Ancient Wall Paintings
Cinderella Gray intro features an Ancient Egyptian wall painting depicting an Umamusume running, about to pass stone columns acting as a winning post. Several onlookers cheer for her while she runs.
Crop Circles
The intro to Season 2 displays a crop circle depicting a scene of an Umamusume, surrounded by both animals and humans.
The Horse in Motion
Beginning of a New Era makes a direct reference to Eadweard Muybridge's 1878 series of cabinet cards The Horse in Motion, a piece of chronophotography that is commonly referred to as the first motion picture.
The reference redubs the piece as "The Umamusume in Motion", appearing in several scenes within the movie. A short video posted by Cygames Pictures features a parody of the tetartagonist of the movie: Jungle Pocket, Dantsu Flame, Manhattan Cafe, and Agnes Tachyon.
-
The Umamusume in Motion
-
The Horse in Motion
Writing
Because real horses do not exist in the world of the series, the character for “horse” (馬) in Umamusume is written with two dots (or “Ten”, 点) instead of the traditional four dots, since the dots represents the number of legs.
- It is worth noting that some words that contain the horse radical retains their four dots.(As seen in the 駿 character of Tazuna Hayakawa's Last name.)
Names Of Organizations
In the series, the real-world JRA (Japan Racing Association) is reimagined as the URA (Umamusume Racing Association). The URA oversees the Twinkle Series, the races the horse girls compete in, as well as the Dream Trophy League. It’s also referred to as “The Central” (中央), mirroring how the actual JRA operates as Japan’s central, state-run horse-racing body. However, gambling doesn’t exist in the series, and the races are regarded as entertainment sports.[1]
- Likewise, the real-world NAR (National Association of Racing) is represented as the NAU, (National Association of Local Umamusume). The NAU is also referred to as “The Local” and “Regional”.