What happens when two beloved anime characters clash over squid? In the newest commercial for Uma Musume: Pretty Derby, Oguri Cap and Tamamo Cross dive into a surprisingly intense — and hilarious — debate over the true identity of “Ikayaki.” Is it grilled squid on a stick, or a savory pancake-style street snack? It all depends on where in Japan you’re from. This quirky CM blends comedy with cultural curiosity, making it a must-watch for fans of Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray, which just began airing its much-anticipated anime adaptation.
A New CM with a Taste of Regional Rivalry
Titled “Ikayaki Yuutara” (literally “Speaking of Ikayaki…”), the new CM was released alongside the April 6 premiere of the anime Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray. The commercial features a casual conversation between Oguri Cap (voiced by Chiyo Tomaru) and Tamamo Cross (voiced by Naomi Ōzora) inside Tracen Academy, where they find themselves at odds over what exactly “Ikayaki” means.
Tamamo Cross, with her strong Kansai dialect, insists that Ikayaki refers to a savory pancake-like snack filled with squid — a regional specialty popular in Osaka. Oguri Cap, representing the Kanto region’s take, argues it means grilled squid on a stick, usually glazed with soy sauce. What follows is a comical back-and-forth that mirrors real-life food debates found all across Japan.
Why It Works: Food + Characters = Comedy Gold
What makes this short CM so effective is how it blends cultural education with the charm of the characters. Tamamo Cross’s fiery personality contrasts hilariously with Oguri Cap’s deadpan delivery, creating a “manzai”-style comedy routine — a classic Japanese duo act involving a funny man (boke) and a straight man (tsukkomi).
For fans of Uma Musume, this skit is more than just a funny exchange; it’s a clever way to deepen character development while tapping into something everyone can relate to — food preferences. Whether you’ve grown up in Tokyo, Osaka, or somewhere else entirely, you’ve probably had a moment where someone else’s version of a dish surprised you.
Cultural Curiosity for International Audiences
For international viewers, the CM offers a quick and amusing look into Japan’s regional food culture. “Ikayaki” may sound like a straightforward snack, but depending on where you are in Japan, the dish can take dramatically different forms. It’s not just a question of flavor — it’s identity.
The commercial subtly invites fans to explore these differences and maybe even reflect on their own cultural assumptions. Are there foods in your country that mean different things in different regions? Chances are, you’ll find this CM more relatable than you expect.
Bridging the Gap to the Anime
The timing of the commercial is no coincidence. It launched in sync with the anime adaptation of Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray, a spinoff series focused on Oguri Cap’s rise through the competitive world of racing. Set in a more serious tone than the mainline Pretty Derby series, the anime tells the story of a quiet, determined girl from a rural training center who surprises everyone with her incredible speed.
The contrast between the anime’s intensity and the CM’s lighthearted humor provides a well-rounded experience for fans, showcasing both the emotional depth and comedic possibilities of the Uma Musume universe.
Bonus for Players: In-Game Campaign
To celebrate the anime launch, Uma Musume: Pretty Derby is also holding a special in-game campaign. Players who log in starting April 7 will receive 300 jewels every Sunday during the anime’s airing period. There’s also a limited-time offer to purchase 700 jewels with a special 3-star character exchange ticket — featuring characters from Cinderella Gray.
It’s a smart move to connect the anime’s story with in-game rewards, encouraging both longtime players and new fans to engage across platforms.
Watch, Laugh, and Learn
Whether you’re a diehard Uma Musume fan or a curious newcomer, this new CM is a perfect snack-sized intro to what makes the franchise tick — heart, humor, and a dash of cultural flavor.
So, where do you stand in the Ikayaki debate? Are you Team Grilled Squid, or Team Savory Pancake? No matter your answer, one thing’s for sure: you’ll never look at squid the same way again.
🎥 Watch the CM here: https://youtu.be/WpkVV3moheA
📺 Catch Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray every Sunday at 16:30 JST on TBS or stream it via ABEMA, Netflix, U-NEXT, and more.
🎮 Log in to the game for campaign rewards: https://umamusume.jp/
© Cygames, Inc.
✨✨✨More Anime You’ll Love:
Kochi Anikuri Festival 2025 Attracts 24,300 Fans—Is This Japan’s Next Anime Hub?
Netflix’s Devil May Cry Anime Is Finally Here — And It’s Already Turning Heads
April 4 Is 4-Panel Day! Over 1,600 Manga Volumes Just ¥44 or 50% Off in Huge Takeshobo Sale
GUILTY GEAR STRIVE Anime BD-BOX Announced: Bonus Content & Store Exclusives Revealed