The “horse girls” of Umamusume: Pretty Derby are officially moving from the turf to the tarmac. Organizers have named the popular multimedia franchise an official event partner for the 2026 MotoGP Japanese Grand Prix, which is scheduled to take place at Mobility Resort Motegi from October 2 to October 4, 2026.
The collaboration is set to feature a massive physical installation and high-profile participation from the series’ voice talent during the race weekend’s official proceedings.
A 500-Foot Circuit Display
The most prominent feature of the partnership is a massive character banner reported to stretch approximately 155 meters (508 feet) wide. Standing 16 feet tall, the display is expected to be positioned near Turn 4 and the Green Campsite at the former oval course of the Mobility Resort Motegi.
According to reported details regarding the character lineup, the banner will feature eight fan-favorite characters from the franchise, including:
- Vodka
- Daiwa Scarlet
- Oguri Cap
- Tamamo Cross
- Jungle Pocket
- Agnes Tachyon
- Almond Eye
- Lucky Lilac
While the main race events conclude in early October, the installation is expected to remain a fixture at the circuit until November 8, 2026, allowing visitors to view the artwork well after the Grand Prix finishes.
Tomoyo Takayanagi to Wave Official Flags
Beyond the visual takeover of the circuit grounds, the collaboration includes a direct role in the race operations for the franchise’s voice talent. Tomoyo Takayanagi, the voice actress for the character Oguri Cap, is scheduled to make a guest appearance at the track on October 4.
Takayanagi is slated to perform the official duty of waving the checkered flag for both the Moto3 and Moto2 race sessions. This integration marks a significant crossover between the virtual racing world of Umamusume and professional international motorsport.
This is not the first time the franchise has ventured into the world of professional racing. Umamusume previously established a presence in the Super GT series through a collaboration with the Pacific Racing Team. The expansion into the Motul Grand Prix of Japan represents a continued push to align the horse-racing-themed property with various forms of high-speed competition and professional racing atmospheres.
