Umamusume: Pretty Derby has been one of the most surprising success stories in the world of anime. After all, who would’ve expected that a gacha game about racing horses anthropomorphized into pretty horse-girls would become so popular? And yet, Umamusume‘s popularity didn’t just run. It took off running right from the starting gate. That popularity has even resulted in an anime series that includes three mainline seasons, four ONAs, a feature-length anime film, and a spinoff anime series that has lasted two seasons so far and is effectively a separate anime series in its own right. Oh, and don’t forget the numerous manga adaptations, stage plays, and even live-action concerts featuring the original Japanese voice actors singing the songs the umas sing in the anime series.
Those concerts have even recently started going overseas, resulting in the Umamusume: Pretty Derby–7th Event: The Stage. This is going to be the first time an Umamusume concert leaves their home nation of Japan, with the concert originally set to travel to the U.S., UK, and South Korea. I say “originally” because as you can tell by the title of this story, that is unfortunately no longer the case.
The official website of Umamusume: Pretty Derby unfortunately announces that Umamusume: Pretty Derby–7th Event: The Stage has to cancel its entire U.S. tour starting in Los Angeles, CA. You know, the concerts that were originally planned to happen in the Peacock Theater on October 22-23, 2026? Yeah, all those have been cancelled. Why? Well, apparently, despite having submitted visa applications six months in advance, the U.S. government responded with radio silence and refused to issue the concert staff and performers visas in time.
Refund Options?
Fortunately, that Umamusume: Pretty Derby official website does also mention that they will process refunds for the tickets: both on-site and streaming. Unfortunately, while that is good, they cannot process refunds for any other expenses anyone may have incurred such as travel expenses to see the concert in person, hotel room booked, etc.. All because they have no control over those expenses, so unfortunately, anyone who had made plans to travel to those concerts will have to get refunds from those other issues separately.
No U.S. Visas for Umamusume: Pretty Derby–7th Event: The Stage
I’m sure many Umamusume fans were shocked by this. U.S. visas denied for the performers and staff for Umamusume: Pretty Derby–7th Event: The Stage? How could this happen, you might ask? Well, this is my personal opinion, but I am going to say: you shouldn’t have been surprised.
After all, the Trump administration has made it perfectly clear that they don’t want anyone coming into the U.S. who isn’t white. They tightened up visa restrictions so much that virtually no one can get into the U.S.. This would definitely include visas for an Umamusume concert, no matter how big it is. I wouldn’t be surprised if the fact that the concert had been scheduled for Los Angeles to have played a role in the implicit visa denial too. The Trump administration has also made it clear that they are willing to punish California for defying Trump’s immigration agenda by any means necessary, both legal and illegal. If it so happens that it’s something as petty as preventing an Umamusume concert from happening in California, then so be it.
So what can you all do about this? Well, for starters, you might try voting the Republicans out of office. It might take a few years after Trump’s fall, but eventually, we might get another shot for an Umamusume concert to see American shores once more. Just, not under this current administration.
What do you all think? Are any Umamusume fans reading this now outraged by the Trump administration? Tell us your disappointed horsey thoughts in the comments section below.
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