If you’ve spent any time in the Uma Musume: Pretty Derby fandom, you’ve probably noticed something a bit weird. Usually, the most popular characters are the "Triple Crown" legends—the invincible powerhouses like TM Opera O or the flashy icons like Gold Ship. But then there’s Nice Nature. She’s the girl who constantly talks herself down. She’s the one who celebrates being "bronze" like it’s a gold medal.
Honestly, she shouldn’t be this popular. On paper, she’s a perpetual loser. But in the world of Uma Musume Nice Nature has become a literal phenomenon, and if you look at the 2023 and 2024 birthday charity drives in Japan, the numbers prove it. People don’t just like her; they are fiercely protective of her.
The "Third Place" Legend: Who is Nice Nature?
In the game and the anime, Nice Nature is defined by her self-proclaimed status as an "extra." She doesn't have the ego of a protagonist. While Special Week is dreaming of being the best in Japan, Nature is just hoping she doesn't embarrass herself.
This isn't just a quirky personality trait the writers at Cygames pulled out of thin air. It’s rooted in one of the most statistically bizarre careers in Japanese horse racing history. The real-life Nice Nature (1988–2023) was famous for finishing third. A lot. Specifically, he finished third in the Arima Kinen—one of Japan’s biggest races—three years in a row.
Imagine being that close to the pinnacle of your profession for three years straight and never quite grabbing the trophy. That’s the "Nice Nature" experience. In the game, this translates to a character who is deeply cynical but also incredibly hardworking. She’s the "relatable queen" because most of us aren't the valedictorians or the CEOs. Most of us are just trying to stay in the top half of the pack.
The Design Philosophy of a "Plain" Girl
Look at her outfit. It’s brownish-red, a bit muted, and lacks the flamboyant capes or glowing accessories of the higher-tier racers. Her hair is Twin-Tailed, sure, but it feels more "neighborhood girl" than "pop idol."
Cygames did something brilliant here. By making her design slightly understated, they forced the player to focus on her voice acting (Machico delivers an incredible performance) and her internal monologue. When you train Uma Musume Nice Nature in the game, the dialogue options aren't about world domination. They’re about small victories. They’re about whether or not she belongs on the same track as the "monsters" of the era.
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Why Fans Dropped Millions for a Retired Horse
You can't talk about Nice Nature without talking about the "Nice Nature Birthday Donation" drives. This is where the line between the gaming world and reality gets blurry.
Every year on her birthday (April 16), the Retired Horse Association in Japan runs a crowdfunding campaign. In 2021, when the Uma Musume mobile game was exploding in popularity, the fans decided to go all in. They didn't just meet the goal; they obliterated it.
- 2021: They raised over 35 million yen.
- 2022: It jumped to over 54 million yen.
- 2023: The total reached a staggering 74 million yen.
That money goes toward "Foster Parent" programs for retired racehorses who otherwise might not have a place to go once their racing days are over. It’s perhaps the most wholesome impact a gacha game has ever had on the real world. When the real Nice Nature passed away in May 2023 at the ripe old age of 35 (which is incredibly old for a horse), the outpouring of grief across social media was comparable to the passing of a human celebrity.
It’s because Uma Musume Nice Nature bridged the gap. She made people care about the "old guys" who didn't win the Triple Crown but tried their best anyway.
Meta Performance: Is She Actually Good in the Game?
Kinda.
If you’re looking for a raw speedster to crush the Champions Meeting, Nature usually isn't your first pick for a "carry." However, she is the undisputed queen of "Debuffing."
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In the game’s meta, Nice Nature is often used as a support or a secondary racer designed to ruin everyone else's day. Her skills, like "Sapping" or "Red" skills, drain the stamina of opponents. There’s a poetic irony in that—if she can't win, she’s going to make sure the "elites" have to work twice as hard to beat her.
Training Tips for the Nice Nature Scenario
If you're actually sitting down to play her scenario, stop trying to build her like Mihono Bourbon. It won't work.
- Focus on Intelligence (Wisdom): Her debuffs only trigger if her "Int" stat is high enough. A high-wisdom Nature is a nightmare in PVP because she’ll keep proccing those red skills.
- Stamina Management: Since she often runs Medium or Long distances (like the Arima Kinen), don't skimp on the blue recovery skills.
- The "Canard" Factor: Her unique skill is great, but it requires her to be in a specific position in the pack. Don't put her in the "Runner" (逃げ) position; she belongs in "Between" (差し).
The Complexity of the "Supporting Character" Complex
The reason Nature resonates so deeply is that she suffers from Imposter Syndrome.
She constantly calls herself "just a side character." In one of her most famous in-game lines, she wonders why the "Trainer" (the player) would bother with someone like her when there are "shinier" girls available.
This isn't just moe bait. It’s a genuine exploration of what it feels like to be talented—but not the most talented. In a medium where every protagonist is "The Chosen One," Nature is the one who accepts she isn't. And ironically, that acceptance makes her the star.
What Most People Get Wrong About Her Story
There’s a common misconception that Nice Nature is "unlucky."
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I’d argue the opposite.
Finishing third in the G1 Arima Kinen three years in a row isn't bad luck; it’s an unbelievable display of consistency. Most horses peak for one season and then disappear due to injury or burnout. Nature stayed relevant for years. She was the "Gatekeeper." To win a big race in the early 90s, you had to be better than Nice Nature. If you weren't, she’d take your podium spot.
In the Uma Musume Nice Nature story arc, the game eventually rewards this persistence. It’s not about the trophy. It’s about the fact that she never stopped showing up to the starting gate.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Players
If you want to truly appreciate this character or improve your standing in the game using her, here is how you should approach the "Nature Meta" right now:
- Support Card Value: Look for her SSR "Enjoy Customizing" card. It’s a staple for a reason. It provides excellent training bonuses that help even top-tier units, proving that even as a support card, she's indispensable.
- Contribute to the Legacy: If you want to honor the real-life inspiration, keep an eye on the Retired Horse Association (NPO) in Japan. They still run "Nice Nature Memorial" drives that fund the retirement of other horses.
- PVP Strategy: Use her in your "Team Stadium" lineup as a dedicated debuffer for the Long Distance slot. While your main ace goes for the win, let Nature "tired out" the opposition.
The story of Nice Nature is a reminder that being "average" among the best in the world is actually a pretty incredible feat. She teaches us that you don't need a gold medal to be worth remembering.
Next time you pull her in the gacha or see her finish third in a race, don't pity her. She’s exactly where she needs to be.