Umamusume: Pretty Derby Los Angeles concert cancelled last minute due to US visa issues, despite exploring “every possible option”
Umamusume: Pretty Derby’s Los Angeles concerts, scheduled for 22 and 23 October, have been cancelled because the organisers could not secure the visas needed for performers to enter the US. The late decision has disappointed fans and raises questions about whether Cygames will stage similar events in the country again.
The concerts offered in-person and digital tickets, and refunds are being issued. Organisers said they had explored every possible option and apologised to fans, cast members and staff; they are also considering ways to help those who planned to attend in person, but have not announced details. The article notes wider concerns in the games industry about travel to US events, including GDC 2026, amid changes to immigration policy.
- LA concerts cancelled over performers’ US visa issues.
- Tickets are being refunded.
- Organisers are considering support for in-person attendees.
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Umamusume: Pretty Derby is a Japanese entertainment franchise centred on fictional horse girls inspired by famous racehorses. It includes a mobile game and anime, with Cygames, a Japanese games company, behind the franchise and its live events.
International concerts require performers to obtain permission to enter and work in the host country. The Los Angeles shows were planned for fans attending in person and online, and their cancellation has drawn attention to the practical difficulties of arranging US events with overseas performers.
The issue also matters to the wider games industry, which depends on international travel for conferences and events. Changes to US immigration policy have prompted questions about whether artists and industry workers will be able to travel there as planned.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Organisers may have faced visa decisions outside their control despite taking extensive steps to secure permission, and cancelling was preferable to risking performers being unable to travel or deliver the concerts. Given the late decision, refunds and possible support for travelling fans are reasonable steps, while visa uncertainty may make future US events difficult to plan.
The case against
Fans can reasonably argue that organisers should have anticipated visa risks earlier, communicated uncertainty sooner and had a contingency plan for an event selling both in-person and digital tickets. A last-minute cancellation imposes disruption and possible unreimbursed travel costs on attendees, and leaves open whether the organisers did enough to manage a foreseeable risk.