Arashi Announces Final Concert Tour Ending 27-Year Journey

Japanese idol group Arashi has announced that they will conclude their activities after a final concert tour in the spring of 2026. On May 6, 2025, the five members of Arashi—Ohno Satoshi, Sakurai Sho, Aiba Masaki, Ninomiya Kazunari, and Matsumoto Jun—shared the news via their official social media accounts, stating, "The five members have gathered again and started preparing for the spring 2026 concert tour. With this tour as the end, Arashi will end its activities." This announcement marks the end of a remarkable journey that began in 1999.

Arashi's decision to hold one last concert tour comes after a hiatus that began in late 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The members revealed that they have been discussing the possibility of reuniting for about a year and a half. They explained, "The environment surrounding us and each of our circumstances has changed, so it was not easy to reach that answer. However, we all agreed that we wanted to come together once more to thank our fans directly and deliver a final performance as Arashi."

The group's influence on the Japanese music scene has been profound. With cumulative album sales exceeding 54.16 million copies, Arashi has set numerous records, including topping the Oricon single chart multiple times. Their official fan club boasts close to 3 million members, reflecting their immense popularity. Arashi's impact extends beyond music; they have also made significant appearances in television dramas and variety shows, further solidifying their status as a national treasure.

As they prepare for their final tour, the members are also planning to release exclusive content for fan club members leading up to the concert. Currently, only existing fan club members can pre-purchase tickets, as new memberships are temporarily suspended. The group intends to unveil this content gradually starting next month, expressing hope that it will bring joy to their loyal supporters.

Despite their hiatus, the bonds between the members have remained strong. Reports from Japanese media, including Sports Hochi, indicate that the members continued to maintain their friendship, frequently dining together and appearing on television. In September 2021, Aiba and Sakurai made headlines by announcing their marriages simultaneously. Additionally, in November of the same year, four of the members, excluding Ohno, appeared together to promote the film "Arashi Anniversary Tour 5x20 FILM 'Record of Memories.'"

In a significant turn of events, the group's agency, Johnny's, faced controversy in 2023 due to allegations against its founder. Following this scandal, members Ninomiya and Matsumoto chose to pursue independent careers. Nevertheless, in April 2024, the five members came together to establish Corporation Arashi, signaling their commitment to continue their legacy in a new form.

Arashi first captured the public's attention with a debut press conference on a cruise ship off the coast of Waikiki, Hawaii, in September 1999. They released their first single, "A·RA·SHI," on November 3 of that year, which quickly became a hit. Over the years, they have performed at prestigious venues, including a historic concert at the National Stadium in 2008, marking a milestone in their career. Their participation in NHK's "Kohaku Uta Gassen," a renowned year-end music program, for 12 consecutive years from 2009 to 2020 further cemented their status as a leading group in Japan.

As the final concert tour approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating the chance to see Arashi perform together one last time. The members have expressed their gratitude for the unwavering support they have received throughout their careers. They stated, "We hope to deliver content that will make our fans happy and show our appreciation for their support over the years." Arashi's legacy is not just in their music but in the connections they have forged with millions of fans across Japan and beyond.

The conclusion of Arashi's activities is a bittersweet moment for their fans, who have grown up with the group over the past 27 years. As they prepare for their last tour, the memories of their incredible journey will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of many.