Yesterday, the fandom world, particularly the J-pop and JE Fandom, was taken by storm. This is supposed to be a pun, but I don't think everyone can understand, so let me explain... The word "STORM" when translated to Japanese is "ARASHI". On the other hand, "ARASHI" is a name of one of the biggest and popular idol groups in Japan. And yesterday, ARASHI announced a really big news.
Above is a screenshot of the news from あらま！JAPAN. And everyone in the fandom world were shocked. I mean, who wouldn't be?
One of my Japanese friends sent me a LINE message yesterday, and below is a screenshot of our conversation.
To be honest, I wouldn't be into Japanese Idol groups if it weren't for ARASHI. In the past, I only enjoyed watching anime and Japanese Drama. In one of the Jdramas I watched, a very attractive guy caught my attention. That was Matsumoto Jun. He was playing the character of Sawada Shin in GOKUSEN and I just couldn't help but fall for the character. Because of that, I searched more about MJ and then I discovered ARASHI.
MJ from Gokusen as Sawada Shin with Yankumi-sensei
ARASHI was the first Jpop Idol group that I followed and admired. That's also the reason why our lovely pets was and is named ARASHI. I have been an ARASHI fan for ten years now, but during that time, they were already celebrating their 10th anniversary in the entertainment industry. In JE, I believe they are legends!
On Twitter, many fans have various reactions. I can understand how they feel because my life in the fandom has been through a lot, too. I am celebrating my 10th anniversary as a Jpop fan girl this year. I can understand why some are sad, disappointed, etc but I think, ARASHI will always be ARASHI.
The life of an idol is not easy (I'm not an idol, but I have followed idol groups for years). The members of ARASHI are already in their mid-30s and they have been serving and entertaining fans for 20 years this year, so I think, they deserve to have a life of their own. I personally want them to find happiness, perhaps have their own family and get to explore life as much as they want and/or can.
IMAGE SOURCE
Here's a screenshot with translation from one of their interviews. I got the picture from one of the FB Pages following the activities of ARASHI. And as a fan, I am proud of ARASHI and I admire their professionalism. They gave their fans 2 years to get ready (although it's very difficult to get ready for such a thing), and I find it really admirable.
I belong to a fandom in which members left the group from 9 to 7 to 6 and now down to 4 members. Every time someone leaves, it hurts... because every time it's so sudden. But ARASHI is different... so I really salute them for it.
The screenshots above are from @HuffPostJapan and @kasanaruphrase on Twitter. These are messages from the members of ARASHI. The latter picture is the English translation of the former.
Whatever happens after the hiatus in 2021, surely I and other fans will continue to support them individually. Whether to continue or not after the hiatus, it won't erase the fact that ARASHI is ARASHI and they will forever be appreciated by fans from all over the world.