On May 6, 2025, the popular five-member Japanese idol group Arashi made a significant announcement on their fan club site, "FAMILY CLUB." The group revealed plans to hold a concert tour in the spring of 2026, marking the end of their activities as a group thereafter. This decision comes after a hiatus that began on December 31, 2020, during which they were unable to perform live due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reflecting on their four-year hiatus, Arashi expressed their desire to reconnect with their fans. In a heartfelt message, they stated, "We couldn't perform in front of everyone for the last year before our hiatus due to the impact of the coronavirus. To directly convey our gratitude to the fans who have supported us, we will reunite as five members and start working towards the concert tour scheduled for the spring of 2026." This reunion is not just a farewell; it is a chance for the group to express their appreciation for the unwavering support of their fans.
The announcement was made after extensive discussions among the members over the past year and a half regarding the possibility of resuming their activities. They concluded that the best way to honor their fans and their legacy was to hold the concert tour before officially ending their group activities. Arashi emphasized that they do not foresee returning to the stage as a group after this tour.
Arashi consists of Masaki Aiba, Jun Matsumoto, Kazunari Ninomiya, Satoshi Ohno, and Sho Sakurai. The group debuted in 1999 with the single "A・RA・SHI" and has since become a national icon in Japan. They achieved unprecedented success, including a historic four crowns at the "60th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen" and the "42nd Oricon Annual Ranking 2009" for singles, albums, DVDs, and total artist sales. This made them one of Japan's most beloved idol groups.
In their announcement, Arashi also mentioned that they had considered forming a new company and exploring different avenues for their future. However, they ultimately decided to work with the staff who have supported them for over 20 years to create a memorable farewell experience for their fans.
As part of their farewell tour, the fan club will temporarily halt new membership applications to prioritize current members for ticket access. The fan club itself will conclude its activities at the end of May 2026, but Arashi has promised to deliver as much content as possible to their loyal supporters during the remaining year.
In a statement, they expressed, "We hope to deliver content that will bring joy to our fans who have continued to support us. Please look forward to it!" This sentiment reflects their commitment to their fans even as they prepare to end a remarkable chapter in their careers.
The announcement has sent waves of emotion through the fandom, with many expressing their gratitude for the years of entertainment and joy that Arashi has provided. The news has also sparked discussions among fans and media about the group's legacy and impact on the Japanese entertainment industry.
Arashi's journey has been marked by milestones and challenges. After announcing their hiatus in 2019, the group members each pursued solo careers, with notable achievements in acting, singing, and other entertainment fields. In September 2021, two members, Masaki Aiba and Sho Sakurai, announced their marriages, further highlighting the personal growth of the members during their time apart.
The group's hiatus was not without controversy. In 2023, issues surrounding the former Johnny's Office, which managed Arashi, came to light, leading to public apologies from the office's leadership regarding past misconduct allegations. This tumultuous backdrop added complexity to their return and final tour.
As the spring of 2026 approaches, anticipation builds for what will undoubtedly be an emotional farewell tour. Fans are eager to see all five members perform together again and to experience the heartfelt connection that has defined Arashi's career.
In the meantime, the fan club is set to release new content in June 2025, allowing fans to engage with the group one last time before they conclude their activities. This will include exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and messages from the members, aimed at celebrating the bond they have formed with their fans over the years.
Arashi's decision to end their group activities is both a poignant farewell and a celebration of their legacy. As they prepare for their final tour, the group aims to leave a lasting impression on their fans, who have been a crucial part of their journey. The concert will not only be a performance but also a heartfelt thank you to the fans who have supported them through thick and thin.
As Arashi steps into this new chapter, they carry with them the love and appreciation of millions of fans, marking the end of an era in Japanese pop culture. Their contributions to the music industry and their influence on future generations of artists will undoubtedly be felt long after their final bow.
