People are sending metric tons of edible grass to a Japanese race horse thanks to Anime. The mare is not popular for being the top tier horse. Its the opposite. She was beloved because of her losing streak.
To get a better understanding of this phenomenon and this article’s feature image, lets go over the anime, Uma Musume and Haru herself.
Update: Haru Urara sadly passed away on September 9, 2025. According to Namabokusobank, up to 3,400 kg of grass was donated by 297 ambassadors.
Haru Gets LIfetime Supply of Grass
On July 10, @tarutaru_mage on X gave a link that allowed anyone to send Haru Urara ryegrass while she enjoys her retirement. Namabokuso Bank (Fresh Grass Bank) lets you send 5kg box of refrigerated grass for 6000 Japanese Yen or $40.50.
As of this writing, Haru received 2,380kg worth of grass from 157 supporters.
Artists depicted the fans generosity with glorious fan art.
Brief Overlook of Uma Musume
Uma Musume: Pretty Derby is a Japanese multimedia franchise developed by Cygames. It follows the lives of “horse girls, “anthropomorphized reincarnations of real-world racehorses, who also copied their real-live counterpart’s speed and stamina. These girls attend Tracen Academy, where they train to become top competitors in horse races and performers in idol concerts. The franchise spans mobile and PC games, anime series, web shorts, and a theatrical film. The mobile game launched in Japan in 2021 and was later released globally in 2025.
The anime adaptation began airing in 2018, introducing audiences to a mix of comedy, drama, and high-speed competition. A second season aired in early 2021, followed by a third in 2023. Spin-offs like Umayon and Umayuru expanded the universe with a more comedic tone, while Road to the Top and the 2024 film Beginning of a New Era offered deeper narrative arcs.
The series reimagines iconic racehorses like Tokai Teio and Special Week as determined young girls chasing glory on the track. It blends sports anime, slice-of-life storytelling, and idol culture, creating a unique world where legacy and ambition go hand-in-hand. Uma Musume has grown into a cultural phenomenon, attracting fans across gaming, anime, and racing communities.
Haru Urara The Horse
Haru Urara became a fan favorite not because of victories, but because of her unwavering spirit in the face of constant defeat. Despite losing over 100 races, she captured hearts with her determination and charm.
Nicknamed “the shining star of losers everywhere,” she drew massive crowds who admired her resilience. Fans cheered not for wins, but for her courage to keep running. In a sport obsessed with winning, Haru Urara reminded everyone of the beauty in simply trying. Her story became a symbol of perseverance, turning her into a national icon beloved far beyond the racetrack.
Haru Urara The Horse Girl
Haru Urara in Uma Musume: Pretty Derby is a lovable underdog bursting with optimism. True to the real-life racehorse she’s based on, she’s stuck in a losing streak. But it never gets her down. Haru Urara isn’t the fastest or the most talented, but she radiates a kind of joy that lifts everyone around her.
She first fell in love with the thrill of racing back in her hometown of Kochi, and that passion pushed her to chase her dreams, even when the odds were stacked against her.
Though she completely flunked Tracen Academy’s entrance exam, her relentless positivity impressed the admissions officer so much that she was accepted anyway. Now, she’s become a source of cheer and encouragement for the other girls.
She may not be a champion on the track, but she’s definitely a winner of the show’s fans. And those fans are showing their love in food.
Fan Love Crashed the Site
While the depiction of Haru receiving a truck load of grass seems unrealistic, the traffic to the site alone seems to exceed that. Namabokuso Bank is currently down. It seems many are still looking to send more grass to a retired fan favorite or are also curious how much has been sent so far.
For anyone who wants to send more grass. Here is the link to namabokusobank.jp. Stay tune for more anime news and articles soon.
