Uma Musume LA Concerts Face Visa Hurdles
The highly anticipated Uma Musume Pretty Derby – 7th Event World Tour: The Stage global tour in Los Angeles is currently facing significant uncertainty. Fans eager to see their favorite horse girls perform live on October 22-23 at the Peacock Theater are now awaiting a crucial announcement. Cygames' Uma Musume Pretty Derby franchise staff revealed on Sunday that the necessary U.S. visas for the upcoming L.A. concerts have not yet been approved. This development has cast a shadow of doubt over the global tour's first-ever live musical events to be performed outside of Japan.
Six Months of Efforts and a Looming Deadline
According to the official announcement from the Uma Musume Pretty Derby staff, efforts to secure the U.S. visas have been ongoing for over six months. The team has been diligently working with legal counsel and promoters in the United States to navigate the complex visa process. Despite these extensive efforts, the approvals remain elusive, putting the October 22 and 23 performances in jeopardy. The staff assured fans they are "coordinating with all parties concerned to explore every possible option to get the visas approved and make the concerts happen." This commitment highlights the dedication to bringing the Uma Musume experience to international audiences.
The final decision regarding the L.A. concerts will be announced by Monday, October 19, at 10:00 p.m. PDT (Tuesday, October 20 at 1:00 a.m. EDT). This tight deadline means fans have little time to wait, adding to the suspense surrounding the event. The staff expressed their sincere apologies for the concern and inconvenience caused, particularly for making the announcement so close to the scheduled event dates.
The Stars of the Stage
The Uma Musume: Pretty Derby – 7th Event World Tour: The Stage concerts are scheduled to feature an impressive lineup of voice actors, bringing the beloved characters to life. The cast includes fan favorites such as Machico (Tokai Teio), Tomoyo Takayanagi (Oguri Cap), Rena Maeda (Grass Wonder), Minami Takahashi (El Condor Pasa), Yui Ogura (Manhattan Cafe), Hitomi Sasaki (Admire Vega), Yukina Shutō (Haru Urara), Misaki Watada (Meisho Doto), Kaori Maeda (Nice Nature), Hikaru Tōno (Matikanetannhauser), Hina Tachibana (Satono Diamond), Hinaki Yano (Kitasan Black), Kanna Nakamura (Narita Top Road), Yūko Natsuyoshi (Cheval Grand), Haruna Fukushima (Dantsu Flame), Yuri Fujimoto (Jungle Pocket), and Sayaka Kikuchi (Hokko Tarumae). Their performances are a cornerstone of the Uma Musume live experience, making the potential cancellation all the more disappointing for ticket holders. The Peacock Theater, a renowned venue in Los Angeles, was set to host these two spectacular nights.
A Global Phenomenon
The Uma Musume Pretty Derby franchise has exploded in popularity since its game launch. Initially released for iOS and Android in February 2021, and later on PC via DMM Games in March 2021, the game quickly captivated a massive audience. Its success led to an English version launch for mobile devices on June 26, 2025, further expanding its global reach. The game's concept, centered around "Horse Girls" endowed with excellent running capability and aiming to become top idols in the "Twinkle Series," resonates with players who train and guide them to stardom. The game even earned the prestigious Best Mobile Game award at The Game Awards 2025 last December, solidifying its status as a leading title in the mobile gaming world. This global tour, with stops planned in London, Seoul, and Yokohama after its initial event in Tokyo, represents a significant milestone for the franchise, showcasing its transition from a Japanese phenomenon to an international entertainment powerhouse.
Stay Tuned for the Final Update
As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on the Uma Musume Pretty Derby staff for the definitive word on the L.A. concerts. This situation underscores the complexities of organizing international events, especially for a large cast requiring specific visas. Fans are encouraged to monitor the official Uma Musume Pretty Derby English website and X/Twitter account for the final announcement on Monday night. The hopes of countless fans hinge on this upcoming decision, determining whether the horse girls will indeed grace the Los Angeles stage.
