Fans who were planning to see Umamusume: Pretty Derby live in Los Angeles this week have been hit with some rough news. Cygames has cancelled both nights of the franchise's first-ever US concert, which were scheduled for October 22nd and 23rd at the Peacock Theater, after the team was unable to obtain visas for the performers.
The cancellation was confirmed on the official English Umamusume X account late Monday night Pacific time (October 19th), just a few days before the first show was due to start.
In the full statement, the team explained that it had tried everything it could to keep the event alive. "Although we have coordinated repeatedly with all parties concerned and explored every possible option in our efforts to make this event happen, we were unable to obtain the necessary visas for entry into the US, so we have come to the painful conclusion that holding the concerts is no longer possible," the statement reads.
The team also apologized for the late notice. "To all the Trainers who were eagerly looking forward to the show, we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and concern this causes, and for announcing this so close to the event date."
Six Months Of Visa Work Came Up Short
The cancellation did not come completely out of nowhere. A day earlier, on Sunday (October 18th) Pacific time, Cygames posted a notice warning that the visas still had not been approved. According to that notice on the official Umamusume website, the team had been working with lawyers and promoters in the US for more than six months to secure the visas the cast needed to enter the country.
That first update said a final decision would be announced by 10:00 PM Pacific on October 19th. The answer arrived right on schedule, and unfortunately it was the one fans were dreading.
Refunds And What Happens Next
Cygames says refunds will be processed for both on-site viewing tickets and streaming tickets, so fans who were planning to watch from home are covered as well. The Peacock Theater has added that anyone who bought tickets through AXS online or by phone will automatically be refunded to the card they used within 30 business days, while everyone else can get a refund from their original point of purchase.
There may be something extra coming for fans who had travel plans. The team said it is "looking into possible responses to Trainers who were planning to attend the concert in person," but warned that it will take some time. Any details will be posted on the official 7th EVENT WORLD TOUR website.
The statement closed with another apology, this time extended to "the Umamusume cast, partner company staff, and everyone involved who put tremendous effort into making this event happen."
A Big Moment For The Franchise On Hold
The Los Angeles shows were supposed to be a landmark for the franchise. The Umamusume: Pretty Derby 7th EVENT WORLD TOUR "THE STAGE" is the first time the series' live events have been scheduled outside Japan. The tour kicked off at Ariake Arena in Tokyo on June 20th and 21st, where Cygames revealed that Los Angeles would be the next stop, followed by London, Seoul, and Yokohama.
The concerts feature the franchise's voice actresses performing songs and choreography as their horse girl characters, which has become one of the signature parts of the Umamusume experience in Japan. For many international fans, especially those who discovered the series through the English version of the game, this would have been their first chance to see one of these shows in person.
The London, Seoul, and Yokohama legs have not been given dates yet, and Cygames has not said whether it will try to bring the concert back to the US at a later date.
Where Umamusume Stands Right Now
Umamusume: Pretty Derby is a multimedia franchise in which the characters inherit the names and spirits of real racehorses. It has grown into a massive hit across games, anime, manga, and music, with TV anime seasons from studio P.A. Works and later Studio Kai, as well as the theatrical film Umamusume: Pretty Derby - Beginning of a New Era. The game's global English release has also helped the series pick up a much larger international audience over the past year.
Do you think Cygames should try to reschedule a US show once the visa situation is sorted out, or would you rather see the team focus on bringing the remaining world tour stops to more countries?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.