Have you ever wanted to play the Japanese version of Umamusume: Pretty Derby but felt stuck because it’s all in Japanese? You’re not alone. Many fans around the world love the game, but the language barrier makes things tricky. The good news? There are ways to enjoy the game, even if you don’t know Japanese!
In this article, we’ll explore how you can play the Umamusume JP version in English. We’ll keep it fun and simple. So, even if you’re new to Japanese games, you’ll be ready to race in no time!
What Is Umamusume?
Umamusume: Pretty Derby is a mobile game developed by Cygames. It features cute horse girls called “Umamusume.” Each girl is based on a real-life racehorse. The game mixes training, racing, and emotional storylines. It’s packed with charm, upbeat music, and exciting gameplay.
But there’s a catch — the official version is only in Japanese. There’s no official English version yet, though fans keep hoping!
Can You Play the Japanese Version?
Yes, you can! The game is available on mobile devices and also on PC via DMM Games. But since it’s in Japanese, non-Japanese speakers may face some struggles. That’s where community tools and fan resources come in handy.
If you’re using an Android phone, you can download the APK file. If you’re on iOS, you’ll need a Japanese Apple ID. On PC, it requires a DMM account.
Ways to Play in English
Even though the game doesn’t have an official English version, there are ways to make it understandable. Here are a few:
- Fan-made translation tools
- Overlay translation apps
- Guides and walkthroughs
- Game wikis with English content
Option 1: Fan Translation Overlays
Some clever fans have made overlay tools that show English text on top of the game. These don’t modify the game itself. They just sit over the game window and offer translations for menus and dialogue.
One popular tool is called Textractor. It grabs Japanese text and works with translation software like Chiitrans Lite or DeepL. It’s a little setup work, but once you have it running, it’s super helpful.
Remember, these tools might not be perfect. But they’re great for understanding the basic story and gameplay instructions.
Option 2: Translation Apps
If you’re playing on your phone, you can use apps like Google Translate with its camera feature. Open the game, point your phone’s camera at the screen, and Google will give you instant English translations.
This method is simple, though sometimes funny mistranslations pop up. Still, you’ll get enough info to navigate menus and follow the story.
Option 3: English Language Guides
The Umamusume English-speaking community is amazing. There are walkthroughs, training guides, tier lists, and story summaries written completely in English.
Here are some great places to check:
- Reddit communities like r/UmaMusume
- Fandom or GamePress Wikis
- YouTube guides and playthroughs
- Discord servers with support and updates
These guides will help you decide which horse girls to train, which skills to focus on, and how to win races. Even if you don’t understand the game 100%, you can still play smart.
Option 4: Fan-Translated Stories
One of the best parts of Umamusume is its story. But since it’s all in Japanese, you might miss out — unless you find fan translations!
Many fans translate the full story arcs of their favorite Umamusume characters. These can be read separately while you play or before you start a new story mission.
They’re usually posted in forums, Reddit, or even as docs shared in Discord servers. It’s like reading a manga while playing!
Things to Keep in Mind
Important Note: Using third-party tools is usually safe, but always be careful. Don’t use mods that change game files. That could be a violation of the game’s rules.
Also, Japanese games sometimes run events or new features that fans need time to translate. So, you might be running a little behind without official translations.
Playing on PC
Don’t want to play on a small phone screen? You can download the DMM version of the game for your PC.
Here’s how to do that:
- Create a DMM account. You may need to use a Japanese address, but this can be easily found online.
- Install the DMM Game Player.
- Search for “ウマ娘” (Umamusume) and download it.
- Launch the game and log in.
The PC version has better performance, bigger menus, and gives you more freedom to run overlay translation tools at the same time.
Is an Official English Version Coming?
Many fans are crossing their fingers. Cygames hasn’t announced an English release yet. They’ve been focused on the Japanese market, and the content is constantly updated.
But never say never! Success stories like Genshin Impact and Blue Archive have proven that global fans can make a real impact. If the demand keeps growing, maybe one day we’ll see an official English version.
Is It Worth Playing in Japanese?
Absolutely! Even with the language barrier, Umamusume has:
- Beautiful character designs
- Emotional story arcs
- Addictive racing and training gameplay
- Charming voice acting and music
Plus, with help from the fan community, you won’t feel lost.
Final Tips
Here are some quick tips to make your experience better:
- Join an English-speaking Discord server for real-time help
- Use screenshot translators for quick in-game help
- Choose a few favorite characters and read their translated stories
- Use a notepad to note down common menu terms
You don’t need to be fluent in Japanese to enjoy the ride. All it takes is a little patience and some helpful tools.
Ready to Race?
If you’ve been thinking about trying Umamusume JP, now’s the time! Whether you’re in it for the strategy, the characters, or just the fun of racing cute anime horses, there ARE ways for English players to jump in.
It might not be perfect, but it’s a wild and fun ride. So get your training shoes on, pick your best girl, and hit the track!
