Katayanagi Twins Denied U.S. Entry Before Major Performance

The Auckland-based DJ duo, the Katayanagi Twins, have been denied entry into the United States, preventing them from participating in a scheduled performance. The duo, consisting of Rain and China Katayanagi, had recently performed at the prestigious Glastonbury Festival in the United Kingdom earlier this year.

In a social media post, Rain Katayanagi shared their experience, stating that they were “flying to LA to chase Summer.” Accompanying the message was a video featuring clips of their flight. Unfortunately, she later revealed that their entry was blocked, leading to their return to New Zealand on a one-way flight. The emotional impact was evident, as video footage showed one of the twins in tears as the plane took off.

The reason for their denial of entry remains unclear. The Katayanagi Twins were set to perform at Polyfest, a significant Pacific cultural festival held in Washington State. The festival is known for celebrating the diverse cultures of the Pacific Islands and draws large crowds each year.

In a related incident, General Fiyah, another artist scheduled to perform at Polyfest, also faced issues with U.S. immigration. He expressed his disappointment in a social media post, apologizing to fans and stating, “I was detained and sent back to New Zealand, which means I can’t be there to share this moment with you.”

The situation highlights ongoing challenges with U.S. immigration policies, which have affected various individuals in recent months. Earlier in March, a New Zealand mother, Sarah Shaw, and her six-year-old son were detained at an immigration facility in Texas. They were safely returned to their home in Washington State last week.

As the Katayanagi Twins and General Fiyah navigate this unexpected setback, the broader implications of such travel restrictions on artists and cultural exchange remain a poignant topic. The music community is rallying in support, awaiting further clarification on the circumstances surrounding the twins’ denied entry.

RNZ has reached out to the Katayanagi Twins and their management for additional comments, but no response has been received at this time.