Let’s be real for a second. If you’re scrolling through the massive roster of Uma Musume Pretty Derby, Mejiro Ryan isn't usually the first girl people gravitate toward. She doesn't have the flashy, "main character" energy of Special Week or the refined, untouchable elegance of her teammate Mejiro McQueen. Honestly? She looks more like she belongs in a shonen sports manga than a waifu collector game. With that short, boyish haircut and those boulder-sized shoulders, she’s a total departure from the typical aesthetic. But if you've actually spent time training her, you know that Ryan is arguably the most relatable, hard-working character in the entire franchise.
She's an underdog. Not the kind of underdog who discovers a secret superpower, but the kind who just puts their head down and grinds.
The Reality of Training Mejiro Ryan
Most players run into a wall with Mejiro Ryan early on. Her growth rates—specifically that 20% bonus to Power—make her look like a beast on paper. You think, "Great, I'll just build a powerhouse and steamroll the Arima Kinen." Then you hit the actual races. Because her unique skill, Let's Anabolic!, triggers specifically when she’s in the back of the pack (usually between 65% and 75% of the field), she is incredibly finicky.
If she’s too fast? The skill won't fire. If she’s too slow? She gets boxed in by the crowd and never finds the opening to accelerate. It’s frustrating. It’s enough to make some people bench her for easier wins.
But here’s the thing about the meta: Ryan is actually a "parent" goddess. Even if you aren't winning every Grade 1 race with her personally, her unique skill is one of the most sought-after inheritances for other back-line runners (sashi or oikomi). When you see a Gold Ship or a Mejiro Dober suddenly rocket from 10th place to 1st in the final corner, there’s a massive chance they’re using Ryan’s inherited "Anabolic" factor. She literally supports the entire competitive ecosystem from the shadows.
The Mejiro Bloodline Pressure
We have to talk about the "Mejiro" name. In the world of Uma Musume, being a Mejiro is basically like being born into a royal family of athletes. There is a crushing expectation of grace, victory, and "oshitoyaka" (ladylikeness).
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Ryan struggles with this. Heavily.
She loves bodybuilding. She loves muscles. She’s worried she isn't "cute" enough to be a Mejiro. One of her most poignant character moments is when she looks at the long-haired, graceful girls and wonders if she fits in. It’s a genuine bit of character writing that hits home for anyone who has ever felt like they didn't fit the "mold" of their peer group. Watching her come to terms with the fact that her strength is her beauty is one of the better arcs in the game. It isn't just about winning a trophy; it's about self-acceptance.
Real-World History: The 1990 Classic Generation
Cygames didn't just pull her personality out of thin air. The real-life Mejiro Ryan was a fan favorite in Japan during the early 90s for the exact same reasons. He was the perpetual "strong loser." In a generation dominated by the likes of Oguri Cap (at the end of his career) and the rising star Mejiro McQueen, Ryan was always there.
He was the horse that everyone wanted to see win because he tried so damn hard.
- He finished 2nd in the Satsuki Sho.
- He finished 2nd in the Tokyo Yushun (the Derby).
- He finished 3rd in the Kikuka Sho.
Imagine the heartbreak. Being that close to Triple Crown glory and missing it every single time. When he finally won the Takarazuka Kinen in 1991, beating Mejiro McQueen of all horses, the crowd went absolutely wild. It wasn't just a win; it was a vindication. That specific race is why Ryan has such high potential in the game for medium-distance tracks. She is built for that specific "vengeance" run.
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Why Her Design Breaks the Mold
Most Uma Musume designs lean into the "idol" aspect. Lace, ribbons, flowing hair. Ryan’s design is almost purely functional. Her racing suit looks more like cycling gear or professional track-and-field attire.
It’s refreshing.
In a sea of moe tropes, having a character who is unashamedly into "macho" culture and protein shakes is great. It adds a layer of variety to the dorm life scenes. You’ll often see her training with Mihono Bourbon or Rice Shower, creating this little sub-clique of "gym rats" that feels very distinct from the more "princess-like" social circles.
Maximize Your Ryan Runs
If you’re looking to actually win with her, stop trying to make her a Leader (senko). I know, it’s tempting because her stats look solid, but you’re wasting her potential.
Focus on Stamina and Power. You need her to be able to survive the long stretch of the Arima Kinen, but more importantly, you need her to have the "burst" to get through the crowd once her skill procs. If you don't have enough Power, she’ll just bump into the backs of other girls and lose her momentum.
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Use these support cards if you have them:
- SSR Rice Shower (Power): For that "Cool Down" skill.
- SSR Kitasan Black (Speed): Because everyone needs Speed, let’s be honest.
- SSR Mejiro Dober: For the synergy and the "Mejiro" specific buffs.
The Misconception About "Coolness"
People often label Ryan as the "cool" character. She’s not. She’s actually a huge dork. She gets embarrassed easily, she’s incredibly earnest, and she’s prone to overthinking everything. That’s what makes her human quality so high. She isn't a stoic badass; she’s a girl who works out because she wants to be better, but she still worries about whether her hair looks okay.
That nuance is what separates Uma Musume from generic gacha games. The characters have internal conflicts that aren't always solved by winning a race.
Actionable Strategy for Mejiro Ryan Fans
To get the most out of Ryan, you need to stop viewing her as a standalone unit and start viewing her as the foundation of your entire roster.
- Inheritance is King: Even if you don't use her in your main PVP team, spend time getting a 9-star Stamina or Power factor on her. Her "Let's Anabolic!" skill is a Top-Tier inheritance for almost every G1 race with a final corner.
- The Takarazuka Objective: Make the Takarazuka Kinen your "peak" race. Her bonuses align perfectly here. If you can win this, you’re on track for a successful True Ending.
- Balance the "Guts" Stat: Don't ignore Guts (konjo). In the current 2026 meta, Guts plays a massive role in how well characters can "jostle" for position in the final leg. Ryan needs this to ensure she doesn't get swallowed by the pack before she can activate her unique.
Ryan might not be the poster girl for the franchise, but she represents the spirit of the sport better than almost anyone else. She is the grit, the sweat, and the 2nd-place finish that eventually turns into a hard-fought victory.
Check your storage. You probably have a 2-star Ryan sitting there that you haven't touched in months. Take her out for a training session. Focus on her Power, ignore the "pretty" expectations, and let her run her own race. You’ll find that winning with her feels a lot more rewarding than winning with a meta-breaker because you actually had to work for it. That's the Mejiro Ryan experience. It’s tough, it’s sweaty, and it’s undeniably worth it.
Next Steps for Training:
Begin by prioritizing "Back of the Pack" (sashi) training tactics and focusing your support deck on Power-based SSRs. Ensure you trigger her unique skill during the Summer Training camps to maximize the stat gain before the Fall G1 season.