Arashi to Suspend Activities in 2020

Popular boyband Arashi announced recently that they will be suspending their activities at the end of 2020.

The initial announcement came via their fan club website on January 27th. In a message on their official website, it was revealed that their leader Satoshi Ohno had proposed letting the five members go their separate ways back in June 2017, and after numerous discussions, they finally concluded that the best option would be for the group to go on hiatus. Ohno elaborated on his reasoning in an individual comment, stating that after reaching 20 years of activity with Arashi he wants to try living freely, without being tied down.

At a press conference about the hiatus, Ohno revealed that he originally intended to leave Johnny & Associates to realize this goal, but after discussions with the members and company officials, it was decided that the group should take a break instead. Ohno stated that he is not sure what his plans will be in 2021, but that he wants to try something new.

Jun Matsumoto clearly stated that this is not a disbandment during the press conference, but none of the members specified when or if they expect Arashi to return. However, they mentioned that they will do their best to express their gratitude to their fans and to make lasting memories together during the group's two remaining years of activity.