J-pop group Arashi to disband after 2026 concert tour

Japanese boy band Arashi announced that they will be disbanding after their concert tour in 2026.

The quintet, who went on hiatus in 2020, made the announcement through a lengthy social media post on Tuesday.

“We have something the five of us would like to share with you all. It has been almost four and a half years since we went on hiatus, and we sincerely regret we were unable to perform for all of you during that last year of activities due to the Coronavirus pandemic,” they began.

“So, in order to finally express our deep gratitude directly to all our fans, the five of us have gathered together once again and have begun planning a concert tour as ARASHI to be held next spring,” the group added.

The band also said that they will be “ending” their activities as Arashi upon the conclusion of the concert tour.

“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."

Given their situation and after spending a lot of time discussing their plan, the members of ARASHI decided to reunite for one final concert.

According to them, this concert would give them a chance to personally thank their fans through a live, in-person performance—something they could not  do during the pandemic.

Arashi's family club will also close in May 2026 as they end their activities as a group.

“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,” Arashi said.

The band also expressed their gratitude to all of their fans.  

"We would like to thank all the fans who have continued to support us, and have come together as the five of us in order to bring you something very special. Please look forward to everything we have planned."

Arashi was formed in 1999 under the Johnny & Associates agency and went on to become one of Japan's biggest idol groups. Its members are Jun Matsumoto, Satoshi Ono, Sho Sakurai, Masaki Aiba, and Kazunari Ninomiya.

The group's single, "Wish," was used as the theme song for the Japanese TV drama series "Hana Yori Dango," which is based on the manga series "Boys Over Flowers" by Yoko Kamio.

Member Jun Matsumoto also starred as Tsukasa Domyouji, the leader of F4, in the series.

In 2020, the band celebrated the 21st anniversary of their debut. In 2024, they established their own company.

We have something the five of us would like to share with you all.
?
It has been almost four and a half years since we went on hiatus, and we sincerely regret we were unable to perform for all of you during that last year of activities due to the Coronavirus pandemic. So, in…

— ARASHI (@arashi5official) May 6, 2025

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA Integrated News