Uma Musume: Pretty Derby - Shin Jidai no Tobira
Summary: Jungle Pocket, a.k.a. Pokke, is a Umamusume girl who has been running free in freestyle races, aiming to be the strongest. On a whim, Pokke watches a race in the Twinkle Series. She is shocked by Fuji Kiseki's performance in the race, and decides to challenge for the Twinkle Series herself.
Pokke enters "Toresen Academy," where Umamusume girls gather, and under the guidance of trainer Tanabe, who raised Fuji Kiseki, she takes on the "Classic Triple Crown Race," a race she is allowed to attempt only once in her lifetime. What awaited him there were rivals of the same generation who were even more talented than Pokke.
Dedicated to her work, Dantsu Flame continues to work hard and honestly. Manhattan Cafe, running after a "friend" that only she can see. And Agnes Tachyon, a mad scientist who seeks beyond the possibilities of Uma Musume.
These Umamusume girls put their pride, their will, and their souls on the line.
The hot and fierce battle opens the door to a new era.
(Source: Official site)
Description
Jungle Pocket, a.k.a. Pokke, is a Umamusume girl who has been running free in freestyle races, aiming to be the strongest. On a whim, Pokke watches a race in the Twinkle Series. She is shocked by Fuji Kiseki's performance in the race, and decides to challenge for the Twinkle Series herself.
Pokke enters "Toresen Academy," where Umamusume girls gather, and under the guidance of trainer Tanabe, who raised Fuji Kiseki, she takes on the "Classic Triple Crown Race," a race she is allowed to attempt only once in her lifetime. What awaited him there were rivals of the same generation who were even more talented than Pokke.
Dedicated to her work, Dantsu Flame continues to work hard and honestly. Manhattan Cafe, running after a "friend" that only she can see. And Agnes Tachyon, a mad scientist who seeks beyond the possibilities of Uma Musume.
These Umamusume girls put their pride, their will, and their souls on the line.
The hot and fierce battle opens the door to a new era.
(Source: Official site)
Uma Musume: Pretty Derby - Shin Jidai no Tobira Trailers
Uma Musume: Pretty Derby - Shin Jidai no Tobira Pictures
Uma Musume: Pretty Derby - Shin Jidai no Tobira Review
Uma Musume: Pretty Derby - Shin Jidai no Tobira — Jungle Pocket, a.k.a. This overview is intentionally spoiler-free and focuses on tone and intent rather than plot specifics.
Thematically, It sits firmly within Sports conventions as a Movie work and has garnered attention (MAL score: 8.63). This work explores character dynamics, tonal shifts, and the interplay between narrative ambition and execution. The story's pacing and tonal choices are crafted to complement the central ideas, often emphasizing atmosphere and emotional truth over explicit exposition. The show's ability to evoke a consistent mood — whether melancholic, exuberant, or contemplative — is a recurring strength, and the scenes are constructed so viewers can infer stakes without needing explicit spoilers.
Characterization is a core pillar here. Protagonists and supporting figures are written with distinct motivations and narrative roles; even when archetypal, the series invests in small behavioral details that make choices feel earned. Character arcs are handled with an eye for gradualism: development often arrives through incremental beats rather than abrupt, expository shifts. The interactions between characters create texture, and relationships are used to illuminate both personal flaws and larger thematic concerns.
On the visual front, production values play a significant role. The animation quality varies by sequence but frequently showcases thoughtful direction and composition. Background art, framing, and color palettes are used deliberately to support tone — quieter scenes favor muted palettes while action or heightened emotional beats employ brighter, more kinetic visuals. Direction choices, such as camera movement and shot selection, often elevate scenes beyond their raw script, creating moments that linger in the viewer's mind.
The soundscape — score, incidental music, and sound design — complements the visual language. Music cues are placed to maximize emotional resonance without manipulating the audience with melodrama; this restraint often leads to more authentic emotional payoff. Sound design punctuates key moments, and when the series leans on silence, those quieter moments are given weight by measured audio choices.
Pacing and structure are handled with craft. Episodes are arranged to build tension and release methodically, and the narrative rarely rushes through important emotional beats. That said, the deliberate pacing may feel slow to viewers who prefer faster plot turnover; the reward is greater nuance and an accumulation of meaning across the series. Accessibility is generally good — one can appreciate surface-level pleasures, while repeat or attentive viewing reveals additional layers.
No title is without flaws. Occasional unevenness in subplots or variable animation across episodes can be distracting. Some tonal shifts might feel abrupt if you expect uniformity; others will argue that those shifts are purposeful. These are worth noting, but they seldom undercut the larger achievements of the work.
In sum, Uma Musume: Pretty Derby - Shin Jidai no Tobira offers a rich experience for viewers who value character-driven storytelling, considered visual design, and a soundtrack that supports rather than overwhelms. For fans of Sports, this is an especially rewarding watch. It's recommended for those who appreciate layered narratives and artistry in animation, and best approached with patience and attention to nuance.
Characters & Voice Actors
Agnes Tachyon
Main
Uesaka, Sumire
Japanese
Jungle Pocket
Main
Fujimoto, Yuri
Japanese
Admire Vega
Supporting
Sasaki, Hitomi
Japanese
Agnes Digital
Supporting
Suzuki, Minori
Japanese
Air Shakur
Supporting
Tsuda, Minami
Japanese
Curren Chan
Supporting
Sasahara, Yuu
Japanese
Dantsu Flame
Supporting
Fukushima, Haruna
Japanese
Fuji Kiseki
Supporting
Matsui, Eriko
Japanese
Haru Urara
Supporting
Shutou, Yukina
Japanese
Hishi Miracle
Supporting
Kasuga, Sakura
Japanese
Izumoto, Nana
Supporting
Honizumi, Rina
Japanese
Kashimoto, Riko
Supporting
Park, Romi
Japanese
Kiryuin, Aoi
Supporting
Okasaki, Miho
Japanese
Mai
Supporting
Hitomi, Saya
Japanese
Male Announcer
Supporting
Yamamoto, Masahiro
Japanese
Manhattan Cafe
Supporting
Ogura, Yui
Japanese
Meishou Dotou
Supporting
Watada, Misaki
Japanese
Narita Top Road
Supporting
Nakamura, Kanna
Japanese
Oguri Cap
Supporting
Takayanagi, Tomoyo
Japanese
Ru
Supporting
Sakurai, Miyuki
Japanese
Staff
Mizoguchi, Kan
Producer
Yamamoto, Ken
Director, Key Animation
Tsuruoka, Youta
Sound Director
Fuchimoto, Shuuhei
Episode Director, Animation Director
Liao, Chengzhi
Episode Director
Ishii, Toshimasa
Storyboard
Enokido, Shun
Key Animation
Fukumoto, Yousuke
Animation Director, Key Animation
Fushihara, Akane
Director of Photography
Gotou, Yuuki
Assistant Animation Director
Isuta
Key Animation
Itou, Yuuki
Key Animation
Iwaida, You
Color Design
Kawashita, Yuuki
Director of Photography
Kerorira
Key Animation
Kimura, Kashiko
Editing
Kobari, Tetsuya
Series Composition
Kuboyama, Seiji
Key Animation
Li, Mingzhen
Key Animation
Maenami, Takeshi
Key Animation