The popular idol group Arashi, which has been on hiatus since the end of 2020, made a heartfelt announcement on May 6, 2025, that they will conclude their activities as a group following a concert tour scheduled for spring 2026. This news was shared through a video posted on their fan club website, where all five members appeared together for the first time in four and a half years.
In the video, members Sho Sakurai, Masaki Aiba, Satoshi Ohno, Jun Matsumoto, and Kazunari Ninomiya expressed their gratitude to the fans who have supported them throughout their career. "To directly convey our gratitude to all the fans who have supported us, we will reunite with all five members and start working towards a concert tour scheduled for the spring of next year, 2026, as Arashi," Aiba declared. Sakurai added, "We will end our activities as Arashi with this tour." This decision effectively means the disbandment of the group, which has been a significant part of Japan's entertainment landscape since their debut in 1999.
Arashi was formed in Hawaii and made their CD debut on November 3, 1999, with the single "A・RA・SHI." Over the years, they released numerous hit songs, including "Love so sweet," "Happiness," "Kansha Kangeki Ame Arashi," and "Kite." Their popularity soared as they became a household name, appealing to a wide range of generations. The group made 12 consecutive appearances on NHK's Kohaku Uta Gassen from 2009 to 2020, and they served as the White Team hosts for five consecutive years starting in 2010. In 2020, they topped the Oricon annual sales ranking for the ninth time, marking their second consecutive year in the number one spot.
The announcement of their activity end comes after a lengthy hiatus that began when Ohno expressed a desire to "live a free life." The group had been unable to perform live for fans during the last year before their hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They held their final concert in a largely audience-free format on December 31, 2020.
In the video, Ohno explained the group's decision-making process, stating, "The conclusion we all came to was to get together once again and hold a concert as Arashi, and to directly convey our gratitude to the fans, who were unable to see our performances due to the coronavirus, and to let them see our performances directly, and to end our activities as the five of us. We didn't consider going on hiatus again after resuming our activities." This sentiment resonated deeply with fans, many of whom expressed relief that the term "activity end" was chosen instead of "disbandment."
Fans took to social media to share their feelings about the announcement, with many expressing gratitude for the group's thoughtful choice of words. Comments included, "Thank you for choosing the words 'activity end' instead of 'disbandment,'" and "As long as the five of you are together, Arashi will remain in our hearts." This positive response highlights the strong bond that Arashi has maintained with their fanbase over the years.
As part of their farewell, the fan club will also conclude its activities in May 2026, coinciding with the end of the group's concert tour. Ninomiya noted, "Along with the end of Arashi's activities, the fan club will also end its activities in May 2026." The members reassured fans that they will continue to deliver content until the fan club's closure, stating, "From now on, we will gather again as five members and deliver content that will make the fans who have continued to support us happy. Please look forward to it." This commitment to their fans reflects the enduring connection that Arashi has cultivated throughout their career.
Arashi's decision to hold a final concert tour is not only a way to thank their fans but also a significant milestone marking their 25th anniversary since debuting. The group has left an indelible mark on the Japanese entertainment industry, and their influence extends beyond music to television and film, with each member pursuing successful solo careers during their hiatus.
As the group prepares for their final tour, anticipation is building among fans who are eager to see the five members perform together one last time. The concert tour promises to be a celebration of their journey, filled with nostalgia and appreciation for the years they have spent entertaining audiences across Japan and beyond.
In summary, Arashi's announcement marks the end of an era for one of Japan's most beloved idol groups. Their decision to conclude their activities with a concert tour allows them to express their gratitude to fans who have supported them through thick and thin. As they prepare for this significant farewell, fans are left with cherished memories and a lasting legacy that will continue to resonate long after the final curtain falls.
