Umamusume: Pretty Derby is a Japanese mobile and PC game developed by Cygames. It’s popular for its mix of horse racing, idol training, and anime-style storytelling. The problem is, it’s only officially released in Japan.
Many international players want to enjoy the same experience but face language and region restrictions. The question that keeps coming up is simple: can you play the Japanese version of Umamusume in English?
Official English Version: Does It Exist?
As of now, there is no official English version of Umamusume: Pretty Derby. Cygames has not announced plans to localize or release the game globally. The servers and game text remain Japanese-only.
There are fan discussions online about possible localization, but nothing official has been confirmed. The global audience still depends on the Japanese app for gameplay.
Playing the JP Version: Step-by-Step Access Guide
You can play the Japanese version of Umamusume from anywhere with the right setup. Here’s how to access it safely:
- Create a Japanese Google Play or App Store account.
- Change your region to Japan in your account settings.
- Use a VPN to connect to Japan.
- This lets your device appear as if it’s in Japan.
- Download the Umamusume JP app.
- For Android, get it through the Japanese Play Store or a trusted APK site.
- For iOS, switch your App Store region to Japan and search “ウマ娘 プリティーダービー.”
- Install and start the game.
- You’ll be able to play, but the interface and story text will be in Japanese.
How to Translate the Game While Playing
The JP version doesn’t have built-in English support, but you can still follow the story with translation tools.
Options to play with English text:
- Translation overlay apps: Use Google Translate’s camera or OCR translation to read in-game text on screen.
- Emulators with auto-translate: Tools like BlueStacks or LDPlayer let you run Umamusume on PC with live translation overlays.
- Fan translation sheets: Some fans on Reddit and Discord share text translations and story summaries.
While not perfect, these methods help players enjoy the game without knowing Japanese.
Is It Safe and Legal to Play the JP Version?
Yes, it’s generally safe to play the Japanese version if you use official sources. Downloading from the Japanese Play Store or App Store is allowed. Using a VPN to access these stores is also fine.
What’s not safe is downloading modified APKs or using unofficial translation patches. These can break Cygames’ Terms of Service or risk your account and data. Always check the source before installing anything.
Fan Translations and Community Help
Umamusume has an active international fan base. Many players create unofficial translations, guides, and story summaries. You’ll find help on:
- Discord servers dedicated to Umamusume.
- Reddit communities where players share walkthroughs and translated menus.
- Fan websites and Google Sheets listing story translations and skill names.
These community efforts make the game more accessible for non-Japanese speakers.
Alternatives: Waiting for the Global or English Update
There’s no confirmed global version yet, but players hope for one in the future. Cygames has released global versions of other titles like Princess Connect! Re:Dive, which gives fans hope for Umamusume.
Until that happens, using the Japanese version with translation tools is the only way to play. You can also follow official Cygames announcements and fan communities for updates.
Final Thoughts: Enjoying Umamusume in Any Language
It’s possible to play the Japanese version of Umamusume in English, but it takes a few steps and some patience. There’s no official translation, but fan tools and translation apps fill the gap.
Play safely, use only trusted sources, and join fan groups to get help and updates. If you’ve found another way to make the game easier to play in English, share it in the comments so others can learn from you.