Loverin Tamburin Band Barred From Entering United States

Band was scheduled to perform at Anime Weekend Atlanta

LOVERIN TAMBURIN guitarist Akihiro Nagao reported on Saturday that he and his band were barred from entering theUnited States last Friday, and could not attend their scheduled performance at Anime Weekend Atlanta.

Guitarist Fujio Ryo explained the details of the situation on his blog. He explained that the band had inquired to the United States embassy in Japan many times about acquiring a visa, but the embassy had supposedly stated that they could not issue a visa, and that the band did not need one due to "cultural exchange." However, upon arriving at Pearson Airport in Toronto, airport authorities allegedly escorted guitarist Matsuda Fire to a separate room to inquire about his visa, explaining that because Matsuda Fire was going to Atlanta on business, he needed a work visa.

The band was turned back at the airport and had to book a flight back to Japan. The group arrived back in Japan on Saturday.

LOVERIN TAMBURIN was scheduled to perform at Anime Weekend Atlanta, which ran from September 24 to 27.

LOVERIN TAMBURIN is composed of the vocalist Aya, pianist and programmer Akihiro Nagao, guitarists Ryō Fujio and Fire, and drummer Kōta Igarashi. They have performed theme songs for such anime as Disgaea ("Aishitageru") and Nanatsuiro Drops ("mo.o!"). The group released its I say you say album in 2012.