Arashi (嵐) is a highly influential Japanese boy band formed in 1999 by the talent agency Johnny & Associates. Comprising Satoshi Ohno, Sho Sakurai, Masaki Aiba, Kazunari Ninomiya, and Jun Matsumoto, Arashi dominated J-Pop for over two decades with record-breaking music sales, popular television variety shows, and massive stadium tours before entering an indefinite hiatus at the end of 2020.
Arashi stands as a monumental pillar in the landscape of Japanese popular culture. Formed right before the turn of the millennium, this five-member idol group redefined what it means to be entertainers in Japan. Their influence spans across chart-topping music, prime-time television, blockbuster cinema, and national public events. For anyone exploring the history of Japanese pop music, understanding the trajectory of Arashi is absolutely essential.
This comprehensive guide explores the rich history of Arashi. Readers will discover how the group formed, who the individual members are, and the specific milestones that cemented their legendary status in the entertainment industry. The article also breaks down their vast discography and explains how the group expanded their reach into hosting and acting.
Furthermore, this post examines their transition into digital media and the specific reasons behind their 2020 hiatus. By tracing their two-decade journey, music enthusiasts and new fans alike can fully appreciate the immense cultural footprint left by Japan’s most beloved idol group.
Table of Contents
Who Are the Members of the Japanese Boy Band Arashi?
The success of Arashi stems heavily from the distinct personalities and talents of its five members. Unlike groups that frequently change lineups, Arashi maintained the exact same roster from their debut until their hiatus.
Satoshi Ohno
Satoshi Ohno is the designated leader and primary main vocalist of Arashi. Known for his exceptional vocal control and precise dance skills, Ohno often choreographed the group’s dance routines. Outside of music, Ohno is a highly respected artist who has held multiple solo art exhibitions showcasing his painting and sculpting abilities. His calm and somewhat reserved demeanor provided a grounding presence for the highly energetic group.
Sho Sakurai
Sho Sakurai serves as the main rapper of Arashi. Sakurai pioneered the integration of rap into mainstream Japanese idol music, often writing his own rap lyrics (affectionately known by fans as “Sakurap”). Sakurai is also highly regarded for his intellect. He graduated from the prestigious Keio University and established a successful concurrent career as a national prime-time news anchor for the NTV program “News Zero”.
Masaki Aiba
Masaki Aiba is celebrated as the cheerful, easygoing heart of Arashi. His raspy, unique singing voice adds a distinct texture to Arashi’s vocal harmonies. Aiba is widely known across Japan for his deep love of animals, which led to a long-running stint hosting the educational and entertainment program “Tensai! Shimura Dobutsuen” (Genius! Shimura Zoo). His boundless energy often set the comedic tone during the group’s television appearances.
Kazunari Ninomiya
Kazunari Ninomiya is a musically gifted member who frequently plays the guitar and piano during Arashi concerts. Ninomiya is also an internationally recognized actor. He gained global attention for his starring role in Clint Eastwood’s 2006 film “Letters from Iwo Jima”. Within the group, Ninomiya is known for his sharp wit, quick comedic timing, and well-documented love for video games.
Jun Matsumoto
Jun Matsumoto is the youngest member of Arashi and a central figure in their public image. Matsumoto took charge of the group’s live concert production, introducing innovative staging techniques like the “moving stage,” a transparent platform that travels directly over the audience. Matsumoto also found massive success as a television actor, most notably starring as Tsukasa Domyoji in the hit drama series “Hana Yori Dango” (Boys Over Flowers), which significantly boosted Arashi’s popularity in the mid-2000s.
How Did Arashi Begin Their Journey in the J-Pop Industry?
The formation of Arashi was a carefully orchestrated event by the powerful Japanese talent agency Johnny & Associates (now Smile-Up). In September 1999, the agency flew the five selected members to Honolulu, Hawaii. Aboard a luxury cruise ship off the coast of Oahu, the agency officially announced the creation of Arashi to the press.
The name “Arashi” translates exactly to “Storm” in English. The agency chose this name because they wanted the group to “create a storm throughout the entertainment world.” Additionally, because the name starts with the letter ‘A’ (and the Japanese hiragana character ‘あ’), it signifies that the group stands at the very top or beginning of any list.
In November 1999, Arashi released their debut single, titled “A・RA・SHI”. The song was an immediate commercial success. It became the theme song for the 1999 Volleyball World Cup hosted in Japan, an event that the group also helped promote as official supporters. The debut single sold nearly a million copies, firmly establishing the boy band in the Japanese music market.
What Are the Most Significant Musical Achievements of Arashi?
Over their 21-year active career, Arashi set numerous records within the Japanese music industry. Their discography consists of 17 studio albums, numerous compilation albums, and over 50 physical singles.
According to Oricon, Japan’s equivalent to the Billboard charts, Arashi consistently dominated annual sales rankings. For multiple consecutive years in the 2010s, Arashi claimed the title of the best-selling artist in Japan in terms of total revenue, which includes CD sales, music DVDs, and Blu-rays.
One of their most prestigious accomplishments was their association with the Japan National Stadium (Kokuritsu Kyogijo). Performing at this venue is considered the pinnacle of live entertainment in Japan due to its massive capacity and strict noise regulations. Arashi performed at the National Stadium for six consecutive years from 2008 to 2013, drawing hundreds of thousands of fans annually.
In 2019, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) announced that Arashi’s compilation album, “5×20 All the BEST!! 1999–2019”, was the best-selling album in the world for that year. The album sold 3.3 million copies globally, beating out massive international releases by artists like Taylor Swift and BTS.
How Did Arashi Dominate Japanese Television and Acting?
While music was the foundation of Arashi’s success, their omnipresence on Japanese television transformed them from mere pop stars into cultural icons. Talent agencies in Japan expect idol groups to be well-rounded entertainers, and Arashi excelled exceptionally in this regard.
For over a decade, Arashi hosted several highly rated prime-time variety shows. The two most prominent programs were “VS Arashi” and “Arashi ni Shiyagare”.
“VS Arashi” featured the five members competing in large-scale, physical studio games against teams of guest actors, comedians, and athletes. “Arashi ni Shiyagare” focused on the members learning new skills, eating gourmet food, and interviewing high-profile celebrity guests. These weekly broadcasts ensured that Arashi was a constant, comforting presence in Japanese living rooms.
Individually, the members of Arashi frequently starred in popular television dramas (known as “doramas”) and feature films. Whenever a member starred in a new drama, Arashi would typically record the theme song for that show. This created a powerful synergy. For example, Jun Matsumoto’s starring role in “Hana Yori Dango” was accompanied by Arashi’s hit single “Love So Sweet”. The drama’s high ratings directly translated to massive record sales, creating a feedback loop that pushed Arashi to national superstardom.
How Did Arashi Adapt to Digital Music Streaming?
For most of their career, Arashi operated under the strict traditional rules of their talent agency, which historically banned its artists from having official social media accounts or releasing music on digital streaming platforms. The agency strongly prioritized physical CD and DVD sales.
However, as their 20th anniversary approached, Arashi recognized the changing landscape of global music consumption. In late 2019, Arashi made a groundbreaking pivot. They officially launched channels on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Weibo. Furthermore, they released their entire back catalog on major streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music.
This digital expansion culminated in the release of their first digital-only single, “Turning Up”. This move not only modernized Arashi’s distribution strategy but also allowed international fans, who previously had to import expensive physical CDs from Japan, to easily access the group’s music.
Why Did Arashi Decide to Go on an Indefinite Hiatus in 2020?
In January 2019, Arashi shocked the Japanese public by announcing that they would suspend all group activities at the end of 2020.
The decision originated from Satoshi Ohno. In mid-2017, Ohno approached the other four members to express his desire to step away from the entertainment industry and live a normal life free from the intense public spotlight. Because Arashi operates on a strict democratic principle—where a decision is only made if all five members agree—the group concluded that Arashi could not continue without Ohno. They firmly believed that “Arashi is not Arashi unless it is all five of us.”
To show appreciation for their fans, Arashi provided a nearly two-year notice before the hiatus began. During this period, they embarked on a massive 50-dome farewell tour across Japan, released new music, and filmed a documentary series for Netflix titled “Arashi’s Diary: Voyage”. On December 31, 2020, Arashi held their final live-streamed concert, “This is Arashi Live”, officially entering their indefinite hiatus at midnight.
The Lasting Cultural Impact of Arashi
The footprint Arashi left on the Japanese entertainment industry remains massive. They set the gold standard for what a modern Japanese idol group can achieve through unity, hard work, and multimedia dominance. Arashi demonstrated that a boy band could mature gracefully, transitioning from teenage pop stars into respected, multi-talented adult professionals.
Even in hiatus, the individual members (with the exception of Ohno, who retired from public life) continue to thrive in their respective solo careers in acting, news broadcasting, and hosting. Arashi’s ability to maintain unbroken unity for 21 years without a single member leaving or a major scandal derailing their career remains an incredible anomaly in the music industry. Their vast catalog of uplifting music and hundreds of hours of television content continue to bring joy to millions of fans worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arashi
Is Arashi still an active music group today?
No. Arashi has been on an indefinite hiatus since December 31, 2020. The members mutually agreed to pause group activities so that leader Satoshi Ohno could step away from the entertainment industry to live a private life. The other four members currently pursue solo television and acting careers.
Who is the leader of the Japanese boy band Arashi?
Satoshi Ohno is the leader of Arashi. He was chosen for the role during a television broadcast shortly after their debut, famously winning the title by winning a game of rock-paper-scissors against fellow member Sho Sakurai.
What is the best-selling song released by Arashi?
Arashi’s best-selling physical single is “A・RA・SHI”, their debut track released in 1999, which sold nearly a million copies. However, their 2019 compilation album, “5×20 All the BEST!! 1999–2019”, is their most commercially successful release, selling 3.3 million copies globally and becoming the world’s best-selling album of that year.
Where can international fans listen to Arashi’s music?
Fans can listen to Arashi’s entire discography on major digital streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. The group also hosts official music videos and concert footage on their verified YouTube channel.
Will the group Arashi ever reunite and make music again?
The members of Arashi have officially left the door open for a potential reunion, specifically using the term “hiatus” rather than “disbandment.” However, no official timeline or confirmation exists regarding if or when Arashi will resume musical activities.
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Arashi: The Complete History of Japan’s Legendary Boy Band
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Discover the history, members, and musical achievements of Arashi. Learn how this iconic Japanese boy band shaped J-Pop and why they went on hiatus in 2020.
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