Dan

i think it becomes weird when an idol starts recognizing you and remembering your convos, esp if its a more popular group or they do a lot of fansigns/fancalls

THE VISA CRISIS IN THE U.S. The UMAMUSUME: Pretty Derby concert in L.A. was cancelled, the 4th after KPOPWORLD, TAEMIN and recently a prominent VA from Wuthering Waves that also was unable to enter the U.S. for the concert. According to the USCIS, it is found that the backlogs of Performance visas have gotten worse, with 2026 nearly doubled in backlogs, from 3.5 months to 5.1 months median. After FY 2024, the length of finalization were delayed ever longer, indicating the current administration is behind these slower process times and tougher approvals to deter immigration visits. Even if Cygames paid for premium processing (which is nearly $3,000 an individual), there's a 50/50 chance they will encountered a trap known as the Request For Evidence (RFE) trap which will push the approval clock back further. Being the concert having 17 performers, staff and production teams, the RFE would be the reason of the approval not finalized in those 6+ months. According to USCIS processing times, 80% of non-premium visa cases are finalized in 13 months, more than the 6 months Cygames had to process, which whether premium or not, forced them to make an ultimatum and cancel the LA shows. 2026 has been the toughest year for international acts to perform in the country and many are feeling this pain and may continue unless companies apply far in advance, or there's changes in the government. Entertainment companies that had acts performed here have knowledge of the complications with the American visa process. @umamusume_eng #umamusume #umamusumeprettyderby

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