Make debut! - 2021 Remastered Version

"Make debut!" is a jubilant anthem about the inception of a dream, specifically framed through the lens of a horse race. While explicitly serving as the opening theme for the Uma Musume Pretty Derby anime, its core message resonates with anyone standing on the precipice of a new chapter in life. The "debut" signifies more than just a first performance; it represents the courage to step onto the "turf" (the stage of life) and present oneself to the world.

The lyrics explore the duality of anxiety and excitement. The "fanfare" acts as a metaphorical wake-up call, snapping the protagonist out of hesitation and into action. The recurring theme of "accelerating" and "reaching out" suggests that success isn't something that simply happens; it must be actively chased and grabbed. The song posits that the "future" is not a distant, static place, but something created dynamically through the act of running (living) with intensity.

Crucially, the song emphasizes shared victory. The line "I want to see the shining future with you" implies that the runner's triumph is linked to their supporters (the Trainer) and their teammates (Team Spica). It reframes the solitary nature of racing into a collective emotional experience. The mention of converting "bravado" into "strength" also adds a layer of vulnerability, acknowledging that confidence is often built during the struggle, not possessed fully beforehand.

The song opens with a commanding call to action—a fanfare that signals the beginning of a grand journey. It describes the moment of standing at the starting gate, where nervousness and excitement collide. The narrator speaks of a "story" that is about to begin the moment they break into a run, emphasizing that this opportunity has always been close at hand.

As the race begins, the lyrics convey a sense of acceleration and limitless potential. The singer urges themselves and their companions to reach out and grasp the "glory" that awaits, aiming for the very top spot. There is a strong focus on the physical sensation of speed and the determination to make even the "Goddess of Victory" obsessed with their performance. This section highlights the transition from a dreamer to a contender, connecting today's race to a "special tomorrow."

The narrative moves to the middle of the race, where the scenery blurs into a rush of wind and light. The "shining future" is the ultimate goal, and the desire to see it with friends (or the trainer/fans) drives the runner forward. The lyrics mention overcoming setbacks and "stumbles," insisting that even bravado can eventually transform into true strength. This part emphasizes resilience, using the metaphor of "1 million horsepower" to describe the sheer will to try again and overcome obstacles.

Finally, the song crescendos towards the finish line. It speaks of a "shining hope" that is unique to the runner, a strength found only by diving headfirst into the challenge. The runner swears a vow to their dream, promising to keep moving forward one step at a time. The conclusion is a celebration of the "debut"—not just as a single event, but as the opening chapter of a life filled with new landscapes, laughter, and the relentless pursuit of being the best.

"Make debut!" was originally released on April 25, 2018, as the opening theme for the first season of the anime Uma Musume Pretty Derby. The song was performed by the vocal unit Spica, consisting of the voice actresses for the main characters: Azumi Waki (Special Week), Marika Kohno (Silence Suzuka), Machico (Tokai Teio), Ayaka Ohashi (Vodka), Chisa Kimura (Daiwa Scarlet), Hitomi Ueda (Gold Ship), and Saori Onishi (Mejiro McQueen).

The track was composed, arranged, and written by Shun Aratame (often credited as Aratame Shun), with co-arrangement by Yuya Hirosawa. Aratame created a sound that mirrored the actual fanfares heard at Japanese horse racing tracks, blending orchestral brass with high-tempo idol pop to simulate the adrenaline of a race. The song became an instant staple of the franchise.

The "2021 Remastered Version" analyzed here was released on August 16, 2021. This release was part of a digital campaign to make the high-resolution versions of the anime's soundtracks available, likely coinciding with the massive surge in popularity following the release of the Uma Musume mobile game in early 2021. The remaster polished the audio fidelity, giving greater clarity to the dense instrumental arrangement and the vocal harmonies of the seven members.

The song follows a standard J-Pop structure with a strong emphasis on rhythmic flow over strict end-rhymes. The Japanese lyrics rely heavily on syllabic rhythm (morae) to match the fast-paced melody. However, there are notable instances of English loanwords used as rhyme anchors at the end of phrases to create a punchy, modern feel:

• "Story" (Sutōrī) pairs rhythmically with "Glory" (Gurōrī).
• "Challenge" acts as a rhythmic pivot point leading into the chorus.

The rhythm is driving and propulsive, often utilizing syncopation in the vocal melody against a straight, driving beat. This creates a sensation of "leaning forward" or rushing, mirroring the physical act of sprinting.

Musical Techniques: The song is defined by its symphonic rock arrangement. It heavily utilizes a brass section (trumpets, trombones) to evoke the grandeur of a racetrack fanfare. The tempo is fast (approx. 170+ BPM), mimicking the galloping gait of a horse. The drums often use a "four-on-the-floor" kick pattern mixed with rolling snares to maintain high energy.

Vocal Delivery: The song employs a unison chorus technique common in idol music, where all seven members sing the hook together to create a powerful, wall-of-sound effect. This contrasts with the verses, where members trade lines (solos or duets), allowing individual character personalities to shine through. The call-and-response shouts (e.g., "Let's challenge!") are designed for audience participation during live concerts.

Literary Devices: The lyrics use direct address ("I want to see the future with you"), breaking the fourth wall to include the listener (Trainer). Hyperbole is used effectively in phrases like "1 million horsepower" to convey the magnitude of their determination.

"Make debut!" is a cornerstone of the Uma Musume franchise, which became a massive cultural phenomenon in Japan, especially after the game's release in 2021. As the first opening theme, it holds a nostalgic place for fans as the "origin song."

• Live Performances: It is a staple at "Winning Live" events (real-life concerts performed by the voice actresses), often used to open the show or as an encore to energize the crowd.
• Commercial Success: The original single charted well on Oricon, but the song's longevity is tied to the game, where it serves as the winning concert song for the "Make Debut" race rank, meaning every player hears it frequently when raising a new character.
• Legacy: It established the musical identity of the series: a blend of idol pop sweetness and sports-anime intensity.

The lyrics are rich with racing imagery that doubles as metaphors for life and career struggles:

• The Fanfare: Represents the "call to adventure." Just as a bugle starts a horse race, this sound symbolizes the moment a person decides to commit to their dream.
• The Gate (Start Line): A threshold between the safety of preparation and the risk of performance. Bursting out of the gate symbolizes overcoming the fear of failure.
• 1 Million Horsepower: A hyperbole for inner strength and resilience. It suggests that human (or Uma Musume) potential is vast and can be tapped into when the will to "try again" is strong.
• The Shining Future/Glory: These are not just shiny trophies but represent self-actualization. The "glory" is described as something to be "grasped," implying it is tangible but requires physical effort to hold.
• Turf/Track: The stage of life. The lyrics mention "running through your own path," acknowledging that while everyone races on the same track, each individual's journey and lane are unique.

"Hibike Fanfare!" (Resound, Fanfare!): This is the central motif of the song, appearing at the intro and the start of every chorus. It serves as a reset button, constantly renewing the energy and reminding the listener of the race's excitement.

"Make debut!": The title phrase is shouted as a punctuation mark at the end of the chorus sections. It reinforces the theme of new beginnings and is the "hook" that sticks in the listener's mind.

"Todoke" (Reach/Deliver): The verb "todoke" is repeated to emphasize the projection of feelings—sending one's passion all the way to the finish line or to the fans in the stands.