After more than two decades together, the members of ARASHI announced that they are finally disbanding, but not before going on a tour next spring.
Sharing the bittersweet news on X on 6 May, the group stated, “For about a year and a half now, the five of us have regularly gotten together to discuss the idea of working as ARASHI again. However, it was not easy to find an answer to how to do this, as the environment surrounding us has changed, in addition to each of our individually changed circumstances compared to before.”
“Such being the case, after much time and repeated conversations, we came to the conclusion that we should all come together as ARASHI, hold a concert that would allow us to express our thanks directly with the kind of in-person performance our Corona concert did not allow for, and then end our activities as a group. We could not imagine resuming our activities only to go on a hiatus yet again.”
As for concert tickets, ARASHI said that they will temporarily suspend new applications for membership so that priority can be given to current fan club members.
“With the end of ARASHI’s activities, our family club will also close in May 2026, but we will continue to deliver as much content as possible throughout this next year for your fun and enjoyment, and will resume accepting new family club memberships as soon as possible so that even those who are not members already can enjoy the videos and more.”
The group, consisting of Aiba Masaki, Jun Matsumoto, Kazunari Ninomiya, Satoshi Ohno and Sho Sakurai, made their debut in November 1999. The group went on to become one of the most successful Japanese idol groups of their time, but went on an indefinite hiatus after Ohno expressed desire to take a break from showbiz.
They were also scheduled to go on tour in 2020, but had to cancel the plan due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
(Photo Source: Arashi X)