Video game publisher and developer Cygames, Inc. (HQ: Shibuya, Tokyo; President: Koichi Watanabe) announces that Umamusume: Pretty Derby (hereinafter referred to as "Umamusume"), a game developed and operated by the company, has become an official event partner for the 2026 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship Round 16 MOTUL Grand Prix of Japan (hereinafter referred to as the "MotoGP™ Japanese Grand Prix"), set to take place at Mobility Resort Motegi from October 2, 2026.
Held across 18 countries worldwide, MotoGP™ is the world's premier motorcycle racing series. The MotoGP™ Japanese Grand Prix is part of that series, and this is the first time a video game title has become one of its official event partners.
A massive, 155-meter display will feature eight Umamusume racers, such as Vodka, near the racecourse, and there will also be photo spots within the event venue featuring an Umamusume illustration.
Additionally, Umamusume character Oguri Cap's voice actor, Tomoyo Takayanagi, will wave the checkered flag at the Moto2™ and Moto3™ races, adding extra flair to the end of the intense competitions.
For more event details, please visit the MotoGP™ Japanese Grand Prix official website: https://www.mr-motegi.jp/motogp/umamusume
●About the Promotional Images
①The following will be featured on the large display near the racecourse:
▲ From right: Vodka, Daiwa Scarlet, Oguri Cap, Tamamo Cross, Jungle Pocket, Agnes Tachyon, Almond Eye, Lucky Lilac
Display Period: October 2–November 8, 2026
②The following will be featured at the photo spots inside the event venue at the central entrance:
▲ A selection of “Umamusume” Artwork at the Photo Spot
Display Period: October 2–October 4, 2026
●About the Checkered Flag
Tomoyo Takayanagi, who plays Umamusume character Oguri Cap, will wave the checkered flag at the following races, signaling the end of each:
Schedule: October 4
・11:00 - Moto3™ Race Start
・12:15 - Moto2™ Race Start
●Special Page URL
https://www.mr-motegi.jp/eng/motogp/umamusume/
About the 2026 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship Round 16 MOTUL Grand Prix of Japan
MotoGP™ is the world's premier two-wheeled road racing series. The skill of top riders and the ingenuity of top manufacturers from around the globe clash on the track, leading to unforgettable, world-class races. The Japanese Grand Prix will be the 16th round of the 2026 series, taking place from October 2 to October 4 at the Mobility Resort Motegi in Motegi, Tochigi Prefecture. The Grand Prix is scheduled for Sunday, October 4 at 14:00.
What is Umamusume: Pretty Derby?
Umamusume: Pretty Derby is a sports life simulation game where players take the role of a rookie trainer at Tracen Academy, an educational institution for Umamsume. Working in tandem with their Umamusume trainee through daily training and communication, players aim to win races and make both their dreams come true.
In addition to its engaging gameplay, Umamusume also features rich, dramatic storytelling. Another highlight is the game's immersive presentation—players are drawn in by spectacular races as well as "winning concerts," where the Umamusume perform a wide variety of songs in a live concert setting.
The game also won the Award for Best Mobile Game at The Game Awards 2025.
* Dates and content listed are subject to change without notice.
* Images and event details are still under development and may be different from the actual material shown during the event.
* Some expressions and wording used in this press release may differ from those used in game.
■Game Overview
Title: Umamusume: Pretty Derby
Release Date: February 24, 2021 (Japanese), June 26, 2025 (English)
Developer/Publisher: Cygames, Inc.
Platforms: iOS/Android/PC (Steam, Google Play Games)
Check Recommended Devices here: https://umamusume.com/devices/
●Download URLs
App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id6480433538
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cygames.umamusume
Steam Store: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3224770/
●URLs
Umamusume: Pretty Derby Official Site: https://umamusume.com/
Umamusume: Pretty Derby Official X (Formerly Twitter) : @umamusume_eng (https://x.com/umamusume_eng)
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