Philippine cinema chain SM Cinema has announced that the latest Uma Musume Pretty Derby film, Uma Musume Pretty Derby: Beginning of a New Era (Japanese title: Uma Musume Pretty Derby: Shinjidai no Tobira), will open in the Philippines on May 27.
About the Film
Encore Films is handling distribution across Southeast Asia. GAGA Corporation provides the following synopsis:
Jungle Pocket, affectionately called “Pokke” by her friends, is a free‑spirited Umamusume who has already made a name for herself in freestyle racing. After being awed by Fuji Kiseki’s stunning performance in a graded Twinkle Series race, she decides to enter the Twinkle Series herself.
Upon joining the Umamusume training school Tracen Academy, Pokke is taken under the wing of veteran trainer Tanabe—who previously nurtured Fuji Kiseki’s talent. Together they aim to conquer the Triple Crown, a grueling trio of races that can be attempted only once in a lifetime. Standing in their way are formidable rivals of Pokke’s generation, each possessing extraordinary ability.
Among those rivals are:
- Dantsu Flame – renowned for relentless diligence and an unyielding drive to win.
- Manhattan Cafe – forever chasing the elusive silhouette of a “friend” only she can perceive.
- Agnes Tachyon – a brilliant, almost mad‑scientist figure intent on pushing the limits of what Umamusume can achieve.
These four competitors bring their pride, spirit, and soul to the track. Beyond the finish line of their epic showdown lies a door that opens onto a brand‑new era.
Pokke declares, “It doesn’t matter who stands in my way! I’m gonna be the greatest!”
Box Office Performance
The film premiered in Japan in May 2024 and quickly made an impact:
- Opening weekend: 226,600 tickets sold, grossing ¥354 million (≈ US$2.25 million).
- Ranked #2 at the box office during its debut weekend.
- By the end of 2024, cumulative earnings surpassed ¥1.4 billion (≈ US$8.7 million).
Production Credits
- Director: Ken Yamamoto (Pokémon: Hisuian Snow)
- Scriptwriter: Kiyoko Yoshimura (Cardfight!! Vanguard G)
- Scenario Director / Series Composition: Tetsuya Kobari (Uma Musume Pretty Derby Season 3)
- Character Designer & Chief Animation Director: Jun Yamazaki (Uma Musume Pretty Derby: Road to the Top)
- Distributor (Japan): TOHO
- Animation Production: Cygames
Source: SM Cinema website
