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A 72-year-old Japanese YouTuber known as Matchan has captured the hearts of fans worldwide thanks to his wholesome and surprisingly accurate Umamusume: Pretty Derby content.
A seasoned horse racing veteran with over 40 years of experience, Matchan is now going viral for his Umamusume guessing game videos, which have surged in popularity following the game’s global release.
From Racetracks to Viral Reactions
Matchan’s unique YouTube content involves watching Umamusume character clips and trying to guess which real-life racehorse inspired each horse girl. While he often uses visual cues like hair color, racing uniforms, and demeanor, what truly impresses fans is his encyclopedic knowledge of Japanese horse racing history.
In one clip, he identifies Special Week simply from the tragic detail of the real horse’s mother dying during childbirth. In another, he connects Rice Shower to the devastating 1995 Takarazuka Kinen leg injury. Fans are consistently blown away by his sharp memory and passion, with many commenting that he knows the horses better than some dedicated players.
Global Release Brings Matchan to the Spotlight
Matchan uploaded his first Umamusume guessing video back in 2021, shortly after the game launched in Japan. That video has since amassed over 4 million views, with a surge of English-language comments pouring in after the game’s global release last month.
Now dubbed affectionately by fans as the “Legendary Horse Racing Grandpa”, Matchan has embraced the community’s love. He’s watched the Umamusume anime, started playing the mobile game, and continues to post his signature guessing content, covering dozens of Umamusume characters.
Why Matchan Resonates With Fans
While Umamusume may stylize real racehorses into anime girls, its emotional core stems from its real-world inspiration—and that’s exactly what makes Matchan so beloved. His genuine admiration for these horses, combined with his heartwarming reactions, reinforces the respect and historical context behind the franchise.
Cygames themselves have made it a point to honor the legacy of real racehorses, going as far as accurately recreating famous races, setting strict fan work guidelines, and ensuring that every Umamusume maintains a connection to her real-world inspiration. Matchan embodies that spirit perfectly, bridging the gap between the real and virtual turf.
Umamusume: Pretty Derby is now available for iOS, Android, and PC via Steam.
