Japanese boy band Arashi to conclude activities after more than 20 years

After over two decades as a leading force in Japanese music, the popular boy band Arashi has announced they will be concluding their group activities following a final tour. The news was shared by the members on their social media channels on Tuesday, May 6.

Currently on hiatus since 2020, the five members plan to temporarily regroup next spring for a series of concerts. This special tour is intended as a gesture of gratitude to their dedicated fanbase before they officially cease activities as Arashi.

In a collective statement, the band explained that they had been regularly discussing a return for about eighteen months. However, finding a viable path forward proved challenging due to the changing landscape and individual circumstances. They stated, "We could not imagine resuming our activities only to go on a hiatus yet again," indicating a desire for a definitive conclusion rather than another pause.

For fans hoping to attend the upcoming farewell concerts, the group has temporarily suspended new fan club membership applications to ensure priority access for existing members. Further details regarding the tour's schedule and venues are still being finalized and will be announced as soon as they are ready.

While the official fan club on the Family Club site is scheduled to close in May 2026, the members have committed to continuing to post content for their fans to enjoy regularly, with their next post anticipated for mid-June this year.

Comprised of Aiba Masaki, Matsumoto Jun, Ninomiya Kazunari, Ohno Satoshi, and Sakurai Sho, Arashi debuted in 1999 under the former Johnny & Associates agency and has remained one of Japan's most prominent musical acts.

Throughout their extensive career, Arashi has released seventeen full-length studio albums and numerous compilation albums. Their album "5x20 All the Best!! 1999-2019" notably achieved the title of bestselling global album in 2019, according to their Spotify profile. Fan favorites include hits like “Love So Sweet,” “Happiness,” “One Love,” “Monster,” and “Sakura Sake.”

Adding another chapter to their legacy, the members launched their own label, STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, in 2024, coinciding with their 25th anniversary.