Umamusume LA Concerts Canceled Over Visa Woes, Fans Heartbroken

Ever had your concert plans dashed at the last minute? That's exactly what happened to Umamusume fans in Los Angeles. Two shows scheduled for October 22 and 23 were canceled because staff couldn't get their visas approved in time. The official Umamusume: Pretty Derby Twitter/X account first warned fans on October 18 about visa difficulties, and by the next day, Cygames confirmed the heartbreaking news.

Naturally, fans are distraught. Many had already made travel arrangements and were looking forward to a rare in-person Umamusume event. The cancellation hit especially hard because it came so close to the show dates. Cygames didn't take the decision lightly—they said they coordinated repeatedly with all parties and explored every possible option, but ultimately couldn't secure the necessary visas for entry into the US.

The company is offering refunds for both on-site viewing tickets and streaming tickets. They're also working on responses for fans who made travel plans, though they admit it might take "some time." In their statement, Cygames apologized to Trainers, the cast, partner company staff, and everyone who worked hard to make the event happen.

Fan reactions have been a mix of sadness and frustration—not at Cygames, but at the political situation causing long visa wait times. "I'm so sorry that this happened. I was excited to have a mini-concert at home and had many friends and acquaintances who were excited to go," one fan replied. Another wrote, "Thank you so very much for trying, it's heart-breaking but we know you tried until the very end." Some took a sharper tone, like the fan who said, "This is not the America I wanted to live in," while another joked about an "anti-Uma administration."

Given the Umamusume fanbase's track record, some are wondering if this could spark real-world action. After all, this community has rallied to save a sick racehorse from a slaughterhouse, raised over $600,000 to rebuild stables for the horse Meisho Doto, and even inspired a disabled fan to perform onstage for the first time. So don't be surprised if Trainers channel their frustration into something positive.

This isn't an isolated incident, either. Long visa wait times have affected other events, including Shinee's Taemin, who had to cancel his entire North American tour because staff and key personnel couldn't get visas. It's a growing problem for international artists and fans alike.

For now, LA Trainers will have to settle for streaming—if they can. Refunds are on the way, but the disappointment lingers. What do you think? Will you be keeping an eye on future Umamusume events, or has this cancellation made you wary of planning ahead?