Umamusume: Pretty Derby premiered in Japan in 2021 as an endearing blend of fandom culture, horse racing, and multitalented singing-and-racing anime girls. Perhaps more surprising was how its developer, Cygames, were able to channel that into a global success in 2023 with the game’s international release. However, it appears the company’s latest attempt to capitalize on this success is under threat, as the Trump administration’s immigration crackdowns are hindering attempts to get the visas necessary to bring voice actors to the U.S. for a planned concert later this week.
Umamusume’s appeal comes both from its gameplay, which sees players train their horse girls (based on real horses) to victory, as well as its music. In the universe of the games, these girls are also music idols, with success on the track being rewarded by a short concert featuring original music. The success of the game has even led to a number of live concerts successfully selling out arenas across Japan. Cygames announced the franchise’s first ever World Tour earlier this year in response to the success of the franchise at home and abroad. The event aimed to bring voice actors for the game’s characters to venues around the world to perform songs from the franchise, with the first international event set for the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles later this week.
Except, that concert may no longer happen. Earlier today, Cygames released a statement confirming that the company had yet to receive the visas necessary for the voice actors to visit and perform in the U.S.:
“In preparation for the 7th EVENT: THE STAGE in LOS ANGELES concerts planned for Oct 22–23, 2026, we had been working with lawyers and promoters in the US to secure the visas necessary to enter the US since over six months ago, but as of now the visas have yet to be approved. As such, we are coordinating with all parties concerned to explore every possible option to get the visas approved in time to make the concerts happen.”
During preparation for the 7th EVENT: THE STAGE in LOS ANGELES concerts planned for Oct 22–23, 2026, we received notice that the visas for entry into the US had yet to be approved.
In response, we are coordinating with all parties concerned to explore every possible option to…
— Umamusume: Pretty Derby (@umamusume_eng) October 19, 2026
Since returning to office in 2024, the Trump administration has escalated attempts to crack down on immigration to the U.S. A number of international musicians have noted visa complications as a reason for cancelling planned events, or avoided performing in the country altogether, as a result of these crackdowns.
Cygames continues to liaise with lawyers in an attempt to secure the visa. This event was set to be a major showcase of the game’s global success, ahead of planned performances in London and Seoul set for a later date. The rarity of such an opportunity has brought fans from across the country and even from Japan to the city for the event, with some thousands of dollars for the opportunity. They’ll just have to wait to see whether the show will go on, or if immigration crackdowns will force its cancellation.
