5 Shocking Facts About Uma Musume: Star Blossom—The Latest Manga Arc You Must Read

The *Uma Musume Pretty Derby* franchise, which has captivated millions globally, continues its expansion with fresh, high-stakes narratives, and the currently ongoing manga, *Uma Musume: Pretty Derby – Star Blossom*, is at the forefront of this new wave. Launched in April 2023, this series offers a unique, deep dive into the world of Umamusume through the eyes of a struggling trainer and a legendary "late-blooming" horse girl, providing a perspective rarely seen in the main anime or mobile game. As of December 2025, the manga is actively publishing new chapters, making its developments the most up-to-date and crucial lore for any dedicated fan.

This article provides an in-depth look at the five most essential and often overlooked facts about *Star Blossom*, detailing the main characters, their real-life racing legacies, and the narrative ambition that sets it apart from other spin-offs like *Cinderella Gray*. Prepare to uncover the full story of Sakura Laurel and her clumsy, yet determined, trainer, Tsubaki Akeishi.

The Dynamic Duo: Tsubaki Akeishi and Sakura Laurel

The core of *Star Blossom* is the compelling, often challenging, partnership between its two main protagonists, a relationship that forms the emotional backbone of the entire series. The story is a masterclass in the Trainer-Umamusume bond, a central theme of the franchise.

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Sakura Laurel: The "Late-Blooming Cherry"

Sakura Laurel is the Umamusume protagonist of the *Star Blossom* manga. Her character is a direct homage to the real-life Japanese racehorse of the same name, a powerful stayer known for his remarkable late-career surge.

• Motif: Sakura Laurel's nickname in the manga is the "Large Late-Blooming Cherry" (大器晩成の桜, *Taiki Bansei no Sakura*).
• Real-Life Legacy: The actual Sakura Laurel was a Japanese Horse of the Year, famous for his victories in the prestigious Spring Tenno Sho and the Arima Kinen in 1996.
• Character Arc: True to her source material, the Umamusume Sakura Laurel is depicted as a powerful but injury-prone athlete, making her journey a high-stakes battle against time and her own body.
• Affiliation: She is a member of The Victory Club, a group of Umamusume based on the famed "Sakura" line of racehorses, which also includes Sakura Bakushin Oh and Sakura Chiyono Oh.

Tsubaki Akeishi: The Clumsy Newbie Trainer

Tsubaki Akeishi is the human protagonist and Sakura Laurel's trainer. She represents a fresh perspective on the trainer role, contrasting sharply with the experienced mentors often seen in the main series.

• Background: Tsubaki is introduced as a supremely clumsy, up-and-coming trainer who initially feels defeated and inadequate in her aspirations.
• Role: She is often depicted as a sub-trainer at Tressen Academy, the central training school in the *Uma Musume* universe.
• Core Conflict: Her initial lack of confidence and experience forms a crucial dynamic with the high-potential, yet fragile, Sakura Laurel, forcing both characters to grow together in a relationship the manga titles "Teamwork" (二人三脚, *Futarisan-kyaku*).

The Narrative Ambition: Chasing the Arc de Triomphe

While many *Uma Musume* stories focus on the domestic Triple Crown or high-profile Japanese races, *Star Blossom* immediately sets its sights on a far more ambitious, internationally-focused goal: the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

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This European race, often simply called "The Arc," is widely considered one of the world's most prestigious turf races, and it has become a symbolic, elusive goal for many Japanese racehorses in real life. By making this the ultimate dream, the manga elevates the stakes and the scope of Sakura Laurel's journey beyond the traditional boundaries of the franchise.

The narrative structure of *Star Blossom* reflects this high ambition, moving through several distinct and challenging arcs:

• The Maiden Class Arc: This initial arc focuses on the struggle of Umamusume who have yet to secure their first victory, known as "Maiden Umamusume" (未勝利ウマ娘). It establishes the harsh realities of the racing world and the pressure on both Laurel and Tsubaki.
• The Injury and Comeback Arc: Central to Sakura Laurel's real-life story is her struggle with injuries. The manga heavily features this element, forcing Tsubaki to navigate the complexities of training a fragile, late-blooming talent. This arc is essential for building the deep trust required for their future international aspirations.
• The Victory Club Dynamics: The presence of other "Sakura" Umamusume, such as the famous sprinter Sakura Bakushin Oh, adds a rich layer of team and rival dynamics. The Victory Club serves as both a support system and a benchmark for Laurel's growth.

Why Star Blossom Offers a Fresh Perspective on Uma Musume Lore

*Star Blossom* is a vital piece of the *Uma Musume* universe because it shifts the focus from the superstar athletes to the unsung heroes and the slow-burn journey to greatness. It’s not about immediate success; it’s about perseverance, a theme that resonates deeply with the real-life struggles of a late-blooming stayer.

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The manga is officially serialized across multiple major platforms, including YanJan, Shonen Jump+, and Tonari no Young Jump, giving it a wide reach and indicating its importance to the franchise's overall narrative.

The Creators Behind the Story

The manga's high quality and emotional depth are a testament to its creative team. The screenplay is handled by Monjūsaki, while the compelling artwork is provided by Shin Hotani.

• Shin Hotani's Art: Hotani's detailed and dynamic illustrations are crucial for capturing the intensity of the races and the subtle emotional expressions of Tsubaki and Sakura Laurel.
• Monjūsaki's Writing: Monjūsaki focuses on the nuanced development of the partnership, emphasizing the internal struggles and the dedication required to train a champion, a departure from the more action-heavy narratives of other spin-offs.

By focusing on a character like Sakura Laurel, who achieved her greatest triumphs later in her career, *Star Blossom* offers a message of hope and dedication. It reinforces the idea that true champions are not always born, but are forged through relentless effort and the unwavering support of a dedicated trainer. For fans looking for a more character-driven, emotionally resonant narrative within the *Uma Musume Pretty Derby* world, *Star Blossom* is the essential, currently updating story to follow.