While K-pop idols might be all the craze nowadays, it’s important to not forget where their roots originate from. Let’s head back east to the land of the rising sun to pay attention to what started it all.
Japan’s most biggest and arguably most successful boy group, ARASHI, has been the face of the phenomenon. Debuting in the 90s, ARASHI continues to have a growing legacy despite being in the industry for more than a grand total of 20 years. The famous five who make up the superband – Satoshi Ohno, Sho Sakurai, Masaki Aiba, Kazunari Ninomiya, and Jun Matsumoto – continue to make their mark in the world, spreading the craze of ARASHI with them.
- “JET STORM” Tour and Finally Meeting Fans
ARASHI surprised South East Asian fans when news of their “JET STORM” Tour broke. The superband was finally going to pay fans outside of Japan a visit, a rarity in their case. The “JET STORM” Tour was held in 4 cities; Jakarta, Singapore, Bangkok, and Taipei as a tribute to fans who have endlessly supported them throughout their career. Over 1,000 fans gathered at Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore to get a glimpse of the larger than life artists.
2. Taking a Hiatus
As 2020 looms over the horizon, ARASHI has come to the grand conclusion that they will be taking a hiatus at the end of the new year. Much to fans lamenting, 20 years of hard work is no joke. The members of ARASHI intend to do as much as they can for their fans this year before the dreaded hiatus takes place, so fans should keep their eyes peeled for loads of exclusive events that will most probably take place!
3. Expanding Into Social Media
For the first time in 20 years, ARASHI has opened up on social media! Fans can now connect with their favourite Japanese boy band on a number of platforms; Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Tiktok, and even Weibo.
Member Jun Matsumoto mentioned that the reason for doing so was so that they could be closer to fans from all around the world in real-time. Apparently the hint was at the end of the sentence, as he then teased about special events being planned on social media specifically.
Tap that follow button, guys!
4. Now Available on Streaming Platforms
On top of that, fans can furthermore rejoice as ARASHI’s discography is finally available on all streaming platforms. Gone the days of purchasing CDs and waiting for them to be shipping from Japan, as now you can get all of ARASHI’s singles on Spotify and Apple Music!
“TURNING UP!”, the latest single from ARASHI, is also their first digital single that is not available as a CD. As ARASHI looks into the future of music streaming, it makes us wonder about what they have in store for us!
5. Upcoming Concerts and Future Events
With the passing of the late Johnny Kitawaga, the CEO of Johnny & Associates talent agency, ARASHI intends on honoring his memory by accomplishing as much as they can before their hiatus.
A challenge that they are gleefully rising up to with their boyish charm, ARASHI announced that their next concert will be held at the Tokyo National Stadium on 15th and 16th May 2020. As the stadium is currently undergoing renovations for the Olympics, Satoshi Ohno also mentioned what an honour it would be to perform there again. News of a Beijing concert in spring 2020 is also in the works, so fans better start booking their flights now!
ARASHI continues to set hearts on fire wherever they go, proving to be a force to be reckoned with. As fans bite their nails in anticipation of an inevitable end to this group, we can only hope for their future endeavors to be every bit as successful as they have been up until now.
Gambatte, ARASHI!
