#arashi tokyo olympics

[arashigossip]

Arashi will postpone hiatus one year?

The Coronavirus outbreak has affected the Japanese entertainment industry. Many concerts canceled throughout Japan and Asia. Under such circumstances, Johnny's Jimusho - in line with government orders -  announced that performances hosted by his talents will be "postponing or cancelled  from February 27 to March 9", but it is highly possible that the target will expand even further.

In this sense, Arashi suspended his concert in China scheduled for April and this week the “Arashi exhibition” has been suspended and the attendance of audience at  VS Arashi recording has also been canceled.

But no one official announcement was held for followings concerts. Which is means Kokuritsu is safe  and also the rumoured "Final Thanks Tour" scheduled for september will not be affected.

For example SARS emerged on 2002 and WHO declared outbreak terminated on the following year, we can expect a similar situation.

It is said in the surroundings that Arashi's calendar has been affected to such an extent that it is unknown if the Kokuritsu concert can be held in May. Also the "Final Thanks Tour" is in danger. 

If this happens, it is possible that Arashi will also reschedule his hiatus deadline.

"Everything could be canceled or postponed. However, since I have been supported by fans for more than 20 years, I cannot stop my activities without being able to a proper farewell. I guess it's not a cancellation but a postponement.Then, on December 31, we have the deadline but we can't make it in time [to fulfill the schedule]" (Johnny's officials). 

Some voices said "the suspension of activity itself may be prolonged". 

"In fact, TV stations are planning to organize - behind the scenes - the  postponement of the Arashi's suspension deadline" 

The possibility of Arashi remains active next year is not longer zero.

---

Many fans dismiss the gossip because is a Tokyo Sports scoop and this tabloid isn't too accurate like Bunshun magazine. 

"However if Tokyo Olympics will postpone to the next year due coronavirus... means Arashi whom is a special supporter will continue?" Some fans are spread those theories. 

May be will be a great catastrophe and Olympics will be postponed until coronavirus ended. And what's happens with Arashi? The special NHK Supporter can afford the Olympic reschedule? On net some fans arguing and blame IOC if they re programme Olympics because Arashi can´t be there. 

Despite of that other people joked about janiotas and said "fans believe arashi is most important than athletes"  “the athletes are the protagonists” “Arashi can be replace for others johnnys groups or for anybody" [things like that]

A columnist on JW said If Arashi hiatus is postponed maybe Ohno  istead of take a pause he wants to retire “Ohno drives crazy “No more I will retire” Also added “There is a risk that the feelings of Arashi members will hurt and members lose their minds  (will be puttsun) and the same goes for Arashi fans” “I'm worried for the mentality of everybody”

Speaking of which, "The IOC heavyweight mentioned the possibility of a one-year postponement of the Tokyo Olympics." Because of the huge financial damage olympics "cannot be canceled", so if there is an emergency, it must be postponed for exactly one year … Of course, this is neither a decision nor a consideration at this stage, but if the Tokyo Olympics are postponed for one year, the pause of Arashi activity will likely be postponed for a whole year. What will happen ...? * Crisis of mental collapse.

*** Author Note: Yep I’m a little lazy and with a tones of work, posting here a little late and near to the weekend.   /// I agree with Johnny’s watcher blogger is like a “crisis of mental collapse” for everybody! for us, for members! Maybe is destiny? I mean japanese believe in destiny “ume” maybe one more year is our destiny? I don’t know...I write and listening Arashi reborn single on Spotify.. this is even real? so much changes in the past year despite of hiatus announcement. Maybe Arashi won't postpone their hiatus… and if Tokyo olympics will suspend for one year Arashi only returns in one year for Olympics only and right after games ended they move into pause again...   I’m looking forward to it. I only want Arashi happiness.  /// By A~san/////

 --- This article was composed and translated by me and made with various sources. You can share, reblog and redirect but please don’t claim as your own, always mention @arashigossip​ --- Thanks in advance-- pic from the press conference when Arashi was announced as “special navigator” for Olympics 2019.07.19 cr. to  thetv and gifs from ameblo user 

#嵐2020スタジアム 

[anjerinfordream]

It's the Olympic season! Are you all enjoying Tokyo 2020 :)

What a versatile athlete lol. Did Nino win any medal? 🤣

[vesper-to-the-stars]

Hey guys! So yesterday, I went to Japan’s new National Stadium and it was sooooooooo excited I couldn’t even sleep last night!!! Lol

It was cold at night in Tokyo, but we prepared for that so we brought blankets and earmuffs to keep us warm. We could take seats in the seventh row in the back! The stadium may look small in the pictures, but it was huge af y’all should really visit there once!

Performers of festivals of Tohoku region appeared at first as the opening act, and a legendary soccer player, Kazuyoshi Miura was the first man to set foot on the field.

Rugby Brave Blossom’s captain, Michael Leitch was also among performers and talked about Rugby and this stadium, and audience fan girl over the J-POP’s biggest groups, Dreams Come True and Arashi afterwards (I wasn’t allowed to take pictures of them ugh).

An exhibition relay race was live on TV, and Usain Bolt ran on the track (but he wasn’t that fast lol).

J-POP duo group, Yuzu appeared as surprise performers, and they sung a song with residents near the stadium and the audience switched on their iPhone flashlights to create a romantic atmosphere ❤️

This was an amazing experience and I think I was so lucky to have this once-in-the-lifetime opportunity! I already got tickets to Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, but it was great to be one of the first people to be in the Olympic Stadium 🏟 I’m really looking forward to Tokyo Olympics! See you again, National Stadium! 👋

[gdwessel]

NOAH, AJPW, STARDOM, Dragon Gate Supercard Results for Emperor’s Birthday Holiday 2/23/2022 With Title Matches & Changes Galore; DDT’s COVID-19 Woes Continue To Wreak Havoc On Ultimate Tag League, DDT/TJPW 2/23/2022 Results

Today is the 62nd birthday for the Reiwa Emperor Naruhito. It is a national holiday in Japan, so there is a bunch of wrestling happening, with a bunch of title defenses across a bunch of promotions.

Pro Wrestling NOAH

NOAH ran Gain Control 2022 in Nagoya today, live on ABEMA and Wrestle Universe. Two title defenses, and a match to fill a third title, took place on this show.

Gain Control 2022 in Nagoya - 2/23/2022, Aichi Nagoya Congress Center Event Hall (ABEMA, Wrestle Universe)

King Tany & Muhammad Yone [Funky Express] d. Akitoshi Saito & Masao Inoue [Funky Express] (Yone > Inoue, Kinniku Buster, 11:58)

Nio [Kongo] d. Kinya Okada (Stuka Splash, 9:58)

NOSAWA Rongai & Kotaro Suzuki [Perros del Mal de Japon] d. Yoshinari Ogawa [STINGER] & Yasutaka Yano (Suzuki > Yano, Excalibur, 6:42)

Tadasuke, Hajime Ohara & ALEJA [Kongo] d. Hao, Junta Miyawaki & Kai Fujimura (Tadasuke > Fujimura, Fuyuki Special, 14:42)

Masato Tanaka [M’s Alliance] DCO Kendo Kashin [Sugiura-gun] (11:01)

Naomichi Marufuji [M’s Alliance] & Takashi Sugiura [Sugiura-gun] d. Masa Kitamiya & Yoshiki Inamura (Sugiura > Inamura, Olympic Qualifying Slam, 20:22)

GHC Juniorheavyweight Tag Team Championship Decision Match: Atsushi Kotoge & YO-HEY d. HAYATA & Yuya Susumu [STINGER] (YO-HEY > Susumu, Super Face G, 26:58) - Kotoge/YO-HEY are the 49th champions

GHC Juniorheavyweight Championship: Daisuke Harada © d. Super Crazy [Perros del Mal de Japon] (Hurricanrana, 18:57) - Harada succeeds his 2nd defense

Go Shiozaki, Kaito Kiyomiya & Daiki Inaba d. Kenoh, Masakatsu Funaki & Manabu Soya [Kongo] (Kiyomiya > Soya, Double Armlock, 21:21)

GHC Heavyweight Championship: Kazuyuki Fujita [Sugiura-gun] d. Katsuhiko Nakajima [Kongo] © (Powerbomb, 21:11) - Nakajima fails his 5th defense - Fujita is the 37th champion

Good golly, Miss Molly. Kazuyuki Fujita can now be one of the all-time worst IWGP *and* GHC Heavyweight Champions of all time. What can I say, besides, CyberFight love their 50+ year-old champions. I really don’t know what purpose this serves to NOAH. God I hate Kazuyuki Fujita.

So I guess Hajime Ohara is part of Kongo now. I can’t keep up with the changes in that stable anymore. YO-HEY comes good for Ohara’s old partner Kotoge, as they now fill the vacant junior tag belts. Hope this reign lasts more than a week, given the vacations of the belts the last month. One day BIG TANK Yoshiki Inamura will beat Takashi Sugiura. Super Crazy does not get to hold two promotions’ junior titles in the span of a couple of months. Masao Inoue returned to the ring in an inter-Funky-Express match.

NOAH’s next show is on Friday from Yokohama Radiant Hall.

All Japan Pro Wrestling

A Triple Crown match highlighted today’s Korakuen Hall rally for AJPW. Three other title matches took place on this one too. Hokuto Omori and Yusuke Kodama were pulled from this show as being close contacts to an undetermined positive COVID-19 case.

Excite Series 2022 Night 5 - 2/23/2022, Tokyo Korakuen Hall (AJPW.tv)

Ryuki Honda [TOTAL ECLIPSE] d. Ryo Inoue (Lariat, 4:00)

Dan Tamura [Evolution] & Ryuji Hijikata d. Takuho Kato & Kazumasa Yoshida (Tamura > Yoshida, 6:49)

Shuji Ishikawa, Takao Omori & Black Menso-re d. Yuma Aoyagi, Atsuki Aoyagi & Rising HAYATO [NEXTREAM] (Ishikawa > HAYATO, Fire Thunder Bomb, 9:02)

KAZMA SAKAMOTO, Takayuki Ueki & Seigo Tachibana d. Yoshitatsu, Izanagi & Devil Murasaki (KAZMA > Yoshitatsu, Schoolboy, 8:22)

GAORA TV Championship: Shigehiro Irie © d. Isami Kodaka (Flying Headbutt, 10:22) - Irie succeeds his 2nd defense

World Juniorheavyweight Championship: Hikaru Sato [Evolution] d. SUGI © (Cross Armbreaker, 9:51) - SUGI fails his 3rd defense - Sato is the 61st champion

World Tag Team Championship: Suwama & Shotaro Ashino [Evolution] © d. Koji Doi & Kuma Arashi [TOTAL ECLIPSE] (Ashino > Doi, T-Bone Suplex, 18:26) - Runaway SUPLEX succeed their 3rd defense

Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship: Kento Miyahara [NEXTREAM] © d. Abdullah Kobayashi [BJW] (German Suplex Hold, 16:06) - Miyahara succeeds his 1st defense

I don’t think there were any surprises here today, including the junior title change. AJPW will not put the Triple Crown on a wrestler contracted to Big Japan. Sato is far superior a wrestler to SUGI. But hey, Shigehiro Irie retained his title, and we like him a lot around these parts.

It would not surprise me to see Shuji Ishikawa challenge Kento coming up either.

The Excite Series wraps up Sunday in Chiba.

STARDOM

STARDOM held Cinderella Journey in Nagaoka today, live on PPV. I don’t think you can still get it; both links I tried, failed. Four title matches on this one.

Cinderella Journey 2022 in Nagaoka - 2/23/2022, Niigata Aore Nagaoka (PPV)

Future Of Stardom Next Challenger 3-Way Match: - Rina [Oedo Tai] d. Waka Tsukiyama [Cosmic Angels] & Mai Sakurai [Donna del Mondo] (Rina > Tsukiyama, Gory Bomb, 6:09) - Mai Sakurai [Donna del Mondo] d. Waka Tsukiyama [Cosmic Angels] (8:06)

Future Of Stardom Championship: Hanan [STARS] © d. Momo Kohgo [Queen’s Quest] (Backdrop Hold, 5:20) - Hanan succeeds her 2nd defense

Ruaka & Momo Watanabe [Oedo Tai] d. Utami Hayashishita & Lady C [Queen’s Quest] (Ruaka > C, Freezer Bomb, 7:34)

Mayu Iwatani [STARS] & Tam Nakano [Cosmic Angels] d. Saki Kashima & Fukigen Death [Oedo Tai] (Iwatani > Kashima, Moonsault Press, 10:04)

Syuri, Maika & Himeka [Donna del Mondo] TLD Giulia, MIRAI & Thekla [Donna del Mondo] (20:00)

Goddess Of Stardom Championship: Koguma & Hazuki [STARS] © d. Mina Shirakawa & Unagi Sayaka [Cosmic Angels] (Koguma > Shirakawa, Diving Body Press, 12:28) - Koguma/Hazuki succeed their 2nd defense

High Speed Championship: AZM [Queen’s Quest] d. Starlight Kid [Oedo Tai] © (Numero Uno, 17:03) - Starlight Kid fails her 6th defense - AZM is the 22nd champion

Wonder Of Stardom Championship: Saya Kamitani [Queen’s Quest] © d. Natsupoi [Donna del Mondo] (Phoenix Splash, 21:55) - Kamitani succeeds her 2nd defense

Immediately after retaining her title, Saya Kamitani nominated both her table leader Utami Hayashishita, and Cosmic Angels’ leader Tam Nakano, as challengers to her title for both nights at Ryogoku on 3/26 & 3/27/2022. Momo Watanabe challenged Koguma & Hazuki for their titles, with a special mystery partner to team with her. The crux of the opener is to determine the challengers for Hanan on both nights of Ryogoku, which will now be Rina and Mai Sakurai, both. Seems like an awfully busy time for STARDOM.

STARDOM return this weekend with shows Saturday and Sunday.

Dragon Gate

DG held Memorial Gate 2022 in Wakayama today, which you can see now on Dragon Gate Network. Featured today was the first defense of the Open The Twin Gate titles for Dragon Dia & Yuki Yoshioka.

Memorial Gate 2022 in Wakayama - 2/23/2022, Wakayama Prefectural Gymnasium (Dragon Gate Network)

Susumu Yokosuka, Big Boss Shimizu & U-T [Natural Vibes] TLD KAI, BxB Hulk & Shun Skywalker [Z-Brats] (15:00)

Takashi Yoshida & Ho Ho Lun d. Strong Machine J & Shachihoko Boy (Yoshida > Boy, Release Powerbomb, 3:49)

SB KENTo & Diamante [Z-Brats] d. Yosuke Santa Maria & Punch Tominaga (KENTo > Yosuke, SB Shooter, 0:34)

YAMATO, Dragon Kid, Ben-K, Keisuke Okuda & Kagetora [HIGH-END] d. Ultimo Dragon, Masaaki Mochizuki, Don Fujii, Yasushi Kanda & Shuji Kondo (Kagetora > Kanda, Kagenui, 12:24)

Open The Brave Gate #1 Contender 5-Way Match: Takuma Fujiwara d. Riki Iihashi, Ishin Iihashi, Takumi Hayakawa & Ryu Fuda (Fujiwara > Ishin, Schoolboy, 7:32)

Naruki Doi, Kota Minoura & Kaito Ishida d. Kzy, Genki Horiguchi & Jacky “Funky” Kamei [Natural Vibes] (Minoura > Horiguchi, Gang, 9:58)

HYO [Z-Brats] d. Eita (Schoolboy with ropes, 7:37)

Open The Twin Gate Championship: Dragon Dia & Yuki Yoshioka © d. Jason Lee & La Estrella (Yoshioka > Estrella, Frog Splash, 17:58) - DiaYoshi succeed their 1st defense

Dragon Dia remains a double-crown champion after he & Yoshioka beat Dia’s former MASQUERADE mates in Lee & Estrella. I don’t know if DiaYoshi is the name, but it sounded good and DG-esque. Dia will now face Takuma Fujiwara to defend the Brave Gate title after Fujiwara beat his dojo class fellows. I was kinda rooting for Ryu Fuda actually. That match will be at Champion Gate in Osaka on 3/5/2022.

Naruki Doi’s Unit With No Name gets a good prelude win over Natural Vibes, as we head for that Open The Triangle Gate match, also on 3/5/2022.

HYO gets another one over on Eita, the man he deposed to turn R.E.D. into Z-Brats. In other Z-Brats goings on, after a week or so of Big Boss Shimizu beating HYO in prelude matches, and getting a direct win over KAI, now Z-Brats is starting to get one over on Shimizu, first with KAI interfering to cause Shimizu’s loss to Jason Lee on Sunday, and now a time limit draw in the opener to add some intrigue to the KAI v. Shimizu Open The Dream Gate title defense that is coming 3/6/2022 in Osaka.

The Truth Gate 2022 tour wraps up Saturday in Tsushima, and on Sunday with another streamed show from Kobe.

DDT / Tokyo Joshi

The COVID-19 issues for DDT continue, as Hideki Okatani has now tested positive as well. Eruption are now effectively out of the tournament – their match that was to take place today v. Yuji Hino & Yukio Naya is a forfeit, and due to Kazuki Hirata being out, the Eruption v. Hirata & Shuji Kondo match for the Final on Saturday will be a double-forfeit. Neither team were in the running at this point as it was. So today’s Ultimate Tag League show had no actual Ultimate Tag League matches on it. Yuji Hino & Yukio Naya end the League with 4 points, not in the running for the Final as that will come down to Burning v. The 37KAMIINA on Sunday for A Block.

DDT Ultimate Tag League 2022 In Fukushima!! - 2/23/2022, Will Fukushima (Wrestle Universe)

Kazusada Higuchi d. Yuki Ishida (Brain Claw, 10:00)

Danshoku Dino & Yuki iino [Pheromones] NC Toru Owashi & Naomi Yoshimura [DISASTER BOX] (13:08)

Chris Brookes d. Yukio Naya (Death By Roll-Up, 12:41)

HARASHIMA [DISASTER BOX] & Antonio Honda d. Yukio Sakaguchi [Eruption] & Gorgeous Matsuno (Honda > Matsuno, Crushed La Magistral Cradle, 13:07)

Daisuke Sasaki & MJ Paul [DAMNATION TA] d. Yuji Hino & Akito (Sasaki > Akito, Crossface, 12:43)

Tetsuya Endo, Jun Akiyama & Yusuke Okada [Burning] d. Yuki Ueno, Shunma Katsumata & MAO [The 37KAMIINA] (Endo > Katsumata, Best Burning Star Press In The Universe, 19:27)

Burning get the win in a prelude match to the Final on Sunday against The 37KAMIINA. Post-main, Endo and Akiyama basically said The 37KAMIINA ain’t shit without Konosuke Takeshita. Endo says he will beat Takeshita at Korakuen Hall Sunday, and for the KO-D Openweight title at Ryogoku. Endo also ripped MAO’s favorite Gorgeous Matsuno shirt, for which MAO swore revenge. Speaking of Gorgeous Matsuno, at age 60, given CyberFight’s proclivities towards titling up older wrestlers, he may like his chances here soon.

Current Ultimate Tag League 2022 Standings:

A Block Akiyama/Endo – 6pts (3W 0D 0L) Takeshita/Ueno – 4pts (2W 0D 1L) Hino/Naya – 4pts (2W 0D 2L) Higuchi/Okatani – 2pts (1W 0D 3L) Kondo/Hirata – 0pts (0W 0D 4L)

B Block HARASHIMA/Yoshimura – 4pts (2W 0D 1L) Sasaki/Paul – 4pts (2W 0D 2L) Iino/Imanari – 4pts (2W 0D 1L) Brookes/Takanashi – 2pts (1W 0D 2L) MAO/Katsumata – 2pts (1W 0D 2L) The Final show is Sunday from Tokyo Korakuen Hall. Block A comes down to Burning v. The 37KAMIINA. Block B is still up for grabs between DISASTER BOX & Pheromones; DAMNATION TA are out, having had 4 matches (One of them was a forfeit win however). The Final will be the Block winners in the main event. Hopefully this card stands.

DDT Ultimate Tag League 2022 The Final!! - 2/27/2022, Tokyo Korakuen Hall (Wrestle Universe)

Soma Takao, Yusuke Okada & Yuya Koroku v. Toru Owashi, Toi Kojima & Yuki Ishida

3-Way Match: Danshoku Dino [Pheromones] v. Antonio Honda v. Hiroshi Yamato

Daisuke Sasaki, Minoru Fujita & MJ Paul [DAMNATION TA] v. Yuji Hino, Akito & Yukio Naya

Ultimate Tag League 2022 B Block: Chris Brookes & Masahiro Takanashi v. Shunma Katsumata & MAO [The 37KAMIINA]

Ultimate Tag League 2022 B Block: HARASHIMA & Naomi Yoshimura [DISASTER BOX] v. Yuki Iino & Yumehito Imanari [Pheromones]

Ultimate Tag League 2022 A Block: Tetsuya Endo & Jun Akiyama [Burning] v. Konosuke Takeshita & Yuki Ueno [The 37KAMIINA]

Yukio Sakaguchi & Saki Akai [Eruption] v. Sanshiro Takagi & Maya Yukihi

Ultimate Tag League 2022 Final: WINNER A Block v. WINNER B Block

Tokyo Joshi also ran today, a second show this week from Tokyo Ryogoku KFC Hall. Miyu Yamashita and Maki Itoh are still out due to positive COVID-19 tests.

Tokyo Joshi 2022 Winter - 2/23/2022, Tokyo Ryogoku KFC Hall (Wrestle Universe)

Yuki Kamifuku & Mahiro Kiryu d. Hikari Noa & Kaya Toribami (Kamifuku > Toribami, Famouser, 9:10)

3-Way Match: Suzume d. Haruna Neko & Moka Miyamoto (Suzume > Neko, Jackknife Hold, 9:52)

Hyper Misao d. Marika Kobashi (Hypami Returns, 10:51)

Shoko Nakajima, Nodoka Tenma & Yuki Aino d. Raku, Pom Harajuku & Yuki Arai (Aino > Harajuku, Bakuretsu Bulldog, 14:40)

Rika Tatsumi, Miu Watanabe & Nao Kakuta d. Yuka Sakazaki, Mizuki & Arisu Endo (Tatsumi > Endo, Twist Of Fate, 16:28)

Tatsumi cut a post-match promo about how great it was that she and Yuka Sakazaki joined TJPW as classmates, and how Daydream will beat the Magical Sugar Rabbits at Ryogoku. Nodoka Tenma will have a singles match at Ryogoku as well against her Bakuretsu Sister, Yuki Aino, as we head towards her retirement. Hyper Misao will also face Sanshiro Takagi at Sumo Hall. Misao also protested Marika Kobashi’s “graduation from TJPW” before their match.

BJW, Ice Ribbon and Gatoh Move also held shows today. There may have been even more I don’t know about.

No post tomorrow. I am going to try to do an Upcoming Events post on Saturday, then back to the regularly scheduled posts on Sunday.

[aramajapan]

Arashi and Yonezu Kenshi to Debut Collaboration Song on 70th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen

Arashi and Yonezu Kenshi have collaborated on a new song titled “Kite.” The song serves as the “NHK 2020 Song”, which is a support song for the younger generation in the year of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. Arashi will debut the Kenshi creation “Kite” at the 70th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen. After that, […]

Read more on aramajapan.com

[yamakaze-arashi]

If Tokyo Olympics really gets canceled, that means that whenever they decide to do it Arashi will be on hiatus and won’t be involved in any of their ceremonies :( And there might not be Arashi related events/concerts this year anyway when it’s their last year 😫 (FYI I know there’s more serious issues to be thinking about but I’m just stating this as an Arashi blog. I’m not a delusional fan just thinking about them 24/7 lol)

[justpassingthroughfan]

Wait, does this mean Arashi will not be active* after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics?

*Edited: Honestly, I know they mentioned that they'll be on hiatus. But I'm just scared that they'll disband when they do....I will continue to support them until the end.

[pixiepond]

Day 4 post-announcement

Listicle time!

1. I agree with the assessment that this seems to have been happening for a while now. As time progresses I find myself less inclined to be angry at Subaru (five steps?) I wonder if it was because his second solo endeavor never came to fruition. I wonder if management was pushing Kanjani8 to become Arashi beta and making moves for the Tokyo Olympics, and he saw the chances for solo activities dwindle. We’ll never know for sure I guess.

2. Subaru did the right thing for Subaru and that’s great. I can admit now that understand. I’m 11 years younger than him, but I know what it’s like to feel trapped. I made the decision to pursue this degree myself and I can’t fault Past Me for that, but knowing there is an end keeps me sane. It must have been a difficult decision and he must be keenly aware of all the pain it is causing. But I believe that there is liberation in doing the right thing for yourself so he’ll be alright.

3. I think they should just get on with it. And it looks like they are. Honestly everything Kanjani8 does between now and 2019 will be colored by the knowledge that Subaru is leaving. The shows, the concerts, everything. Fans (including me) will read volumes in every little glance and choice of word. In that sense I want this to be over already and for them to just appear as 6. Kanjani8 is important to me in a large part because they help me cope with the stress and anxieties of my work - as a fan I just want them to get back into the business of doing that. Although it would mean so much if they did one last live band performance together. Closure is the name of the game.

4. I’m still sad! Aside from the change in their sound (tbh I only like 1 in 5 of their singles and none of their albums as a whole. I much prefer to cobble their good efforts into playlists by myself), I am sad because Shinjitsudo Shoten was one of my favorite projects on Chronicle. And of course the concerts. I hope they don’t snap back to 100% idol mode once he’s gone but we’ll find out soon from the GR8EST tour. I hope the jam sessions on Kanjam will be as interesting without Subaru there (his duet with Sakamoto Fuyumi though...T_T). It’s just not going to be the same.

Side note: this time last year the person who I thought would help me get over the finish line with this PhD abruptly announced that he found a new job and left academia for good. What is it with 36 year-olds leaving me?????

5. Subaru’s legacy. I really, really hope they keep the band going. In my opinion pushing Kanjani8 in that direction will always be his greatest contribution, and how his presence will always be felt.

[natsukashimu]

Our cultural assignment this week was to choose one of our host country’s highest-grossing musicians of the last ten years and do a music review. In Japan, going by gross music sales by year, there have been only 3 groups in the last decade. Meaning: in 2008, the group Exile had the most sales; in 2009 and 2010; it was a group called Arashi; and from 2011 to 2017 a group called AKB48 dominated the charts. Now I’m vaguely familiar enough with all of them to know that I don’t particularly like any of them, and I figured since there are only 3 groups, I’ll say a little about each of them.

Exile is an all-male group created in 1999, originally called the J Soul Brothers, and then renamed in 2001. 19 men have called themselves members, though four have retired over the years, and so 15 now remain. Current member ages range between 23 and 38, and honestly, with that many members I couldn’t keep all of the generations and the subgroups straight. However, they’re still pretty popular, seeing as they’ve sold over 20 million records in Japan alone. Their musical style is somewhat varied. They have J-pop styled songs as well as some R&B and dance.

Arashi is also an all-male group created in 1999, however, they have only 5 members, and none have retired. When I was in Japan previously, I can honestly say that I saw the members of Arashi on TV more than either Exile or AKB48, and I would imagine it’s because it was easier to fit 5 people on a show as opposed to 15 or more. Arashi has sold over 30 million records in Japan, and they have a mixture of mostly J-pop/J-rock and R&B music.

AKB48 is an all-girl group that originally debuted with 24 members (who auditioned) in 2005, and the group was created with the idea that instead of touring like most music groups, they would instead stay put and perform scheduled shows in their own theater. The group exploded in popularity and currently has 130 members separated into 5 teams (teams A, K, B, 4, and 8), and they are the third best-selling musical act in Japan. Their music can kindly be described as bubblegum pop, though I find them a bit much personally. They were called “too embarrassing” to perform at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, so I’m not alone.

Sources:

Exile

https://www.ldh.co.jp/eng/artist/musician/exile/

http://www.jpopasia.com/exile/

http://jpninfo.com/54854

Arashi

http://www.j-storm.co.jp/arashi

http://www.jpopasia.com/arashi/

AKB48

https://www.akb48.co.jp/

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-life/11389277/AKB48-the-Japanese-band-too-embarrassing-for-Tokyos-2020-Olympics.html

Picture sources: 

Exile                 Arashi                 AKB48

[arashigossip]

Arashi to reunite at the 25th anniversary ?

Ohno is saying that activity will resume three years after the Arashi hiatus because "we will not end like this".

"The live performance at the National Stadium, which was scheduled to take place in May, has been postponed, and we are adjusting to hold it in the fall.

However, It's uncertain when the second wave of the new coronavirus will come, and it seems that the prospect of realization is not yet standing. (Event personnel)

Japan has been regaining its former daily life after the declaration of emergency by Corona Era was lifted. However, Arashi's "full revival", which announced the suspension of activities at the end of this year, is still ahead.

"The regular shows "Arashi ni Shiyagare" (NTV) and "VS Arashi" (Fuji TV), which all five people have performed, are still being recorded remotely. It seems there are no members in the studio yet. Regarding to the future, members are consulting at remote conference.” (TV station official)

 Abandoned performance in Beijing, China in April... The Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games also will be postponed to the summer of '21.  Were scheduled to serve as special navigators at NHK, The last year Arashi had in mind a “farewell”quite different from reality and seems Arashi is a thing they can't left behind.

"At the conference in March, NHK said, "We are not thinking of changing it at this time," regarding the continuation of Arashi as special navigator, and they added implications for the continuation of activities in '21. It seems that fans are flooding with voices saying, "I want you to postpone hiatus for a year". 

For that reason, the “long-awaited theory of extended activities” is increasing day by day.

However, leader Satoshi Ohno (39) seems reluctant to extend. "During his self-restraint, Ohno was looking forward to watching the drama “kasei otto no mitazono” (TV Asahi) starring by Masahiro Matsuoka (43). He has been painting and drawing friends at home. While spending more time than ever before, Ohno seems to think seriously about the future, but Ohno says he has no idea to extend the rest of his activities."

On June 16, Arashi appeared in an online distribution live. It was performance like a live concert for the first time in 3 months, but… "Arashi's activity suspension was decided by Ohno's request to "I want to live freely", and the members also decided to "take a break for the leader. At the beginning, when Ohno proposed a break, It seems that he was thinking of quitting the Johnny's office. In addition, Ohno has a plan to live relaxedly on the southern island from next year, and he said in January last year, "I do not know when to resume activities."

Arashi has always emphasized that "if there are not five people, it's not Arashi."

If the leader won’t resume activities in the future, Arashi will end.

However, there was a "plan" behind Ohno's refusal to postpone the activity. It is said some plans are moving below the surface in order to resume Arashi activities three years later.

Therefore, it is said that three years later, in '23, they will be reunited at the 25th anniversary event of Arashi's debut. They are planning to convey their gratitude to the fans again."

Who is showing a positive attitude to reassemble, It is none other than Ohno. "Recently, Ohno is very positive about Arashi's activities. When all the members delivered a picture-story show he said, "Let's all dress up!" And in addiction on July with new single "Kite" Arashi will release a painting made by  Ohno as a “ongaeshi” to his fans (a gratitude gif). It is said Ohno is offer to the members various plans for events that will please the fans into three years. Ohno's "change of mind" that even he thought of leaving the office for a while. There was Ohno's new determination because of corona spread."Events were canceled one after another, and the fans were sad, so seems Ohno felt "responsible for the rest..." Then “I can't end...", he said, somewhere in his mind.

In the meantime, into three years there is the new goal for Arashi "resuming activities on the 25th anniversary". The new plan was set, and Ohno's feelings have relieved.

Until then Ohno said "Let's relive Arashi with an experience that I have never been able to do and power up the next three years to comer!”. Ohno's "promise to members" seems to have had a positive effect on the group. “In each member views the suspension of activities as “individual skill improvement” and seems to be more motivated to resume. At present, it is quite difficult to do a new large-scale tour within the year. 

Therefore, it is said that there are plans to hold a tour and a live at the National Stadium again at the 25th anniversary event.Matsumoto Jun (36), who is in charge of live production, is already thinking about some production plans.”

Ohno had declared that he would "improve himself".  And He will  led the "strongest Arashi of all times", and that will be seen on stage in 2023.

Josei Jishin (女性自身) July 7, 2020 issue

Author note: Onegai!!! By A~san

[arashigossip]

Arashi, postponement plan for pause! “Don’t want to show Arashi without Ohno”

Arashi suspends group activities throughout the year. It's remaining 5 months, Pleasant information comes...

The members of Arashi have been discussing about the future while the limit of activity was approaching. As a result, they will continue to run with five people in 2021. Behind the decision to "postpone" is a big event that everyone wants to participate in. "It seems that they are thinking of continuing their activities for the next year. It seems to be the conclusion made by the conversations between five members "

Due to the influence of the new coronavirus, the event scheduled for last year has been forced to change. "The February performance in Beijing, China was canceled, "Arafes 2020" scheduled to be held at the new National Stadium in May will be postponed. In July, I was supposed to serve as "NHK Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Broadcast Special Navigator," but the Olympics itself has been postponed." (Sports reporter)

However, there are still possibilities for the Olympic Games. The  International Olympic Committee announced that games will postpone one year and Arashi will not be in but NHK announced at a press conference they “are not thinking about any changes” Fans are expecting to see the Arashi next year as well.” (Sports reporter)

There was an option to use four people as navigators, just considering the Olympics…

They aren't thinking about extending the deadline for suspension. “Suspends as planned, Ohno  Satoshi will also stop performing. However, if the Olympics will be held next year, he is thinking of working as a group for a few weeks during the period. “they will be active for a certain period of time." " they didn't want to show to fans "Arashi without Ohno" at the big event such Olympics." However, if the corona is not over, there is no guarantee that we will be able to do it next year, so we will have to make a decision based on the situation."  

 Although it is only for a limited time, it is a pleasure for the fans that all 5 people are together. However, when it is postponed, Ohno's emotional state becomes a concern.

"From around September 2014, Ohno wants to leave the entertainment world. In June 2017, he consulted with the other four people that he wanted to live a free life and had many discussions. As a result, Ohno came to the conclusion that it was a pause.” (wide show official) After the crisis, Ohno chose to become an “ordinary person”. That idea has not changed.

This big event was what Ohno wanted. "From September 9th of this year, we will hold a solo exhibition "FREESTYLE 2020 Satoshi Ohno" at Roppongi Hills in Tokyo. Ohno has been producing paintings in parallel with his entertainment activities. and it will be the culmination of his creative activities." However, the idea seems to have changed as the situation in which he could not stand in front of his fans continued.

"Great opportunity" to stand in front of fans

"Some media reported that we're talking about holding a postponed new National Stadium performance in October. But Corona isn't on track to finish by the end of the year. Then, next year. The Olympic Games will be a great opportunity to stand in front of many fans."

"As a result of discussions over and over, I understand that I have agreed to return to the condition for a limited time. Arashi has a rule that "If I don’t like I don’t do". The bottom line is that no one finally opposed it," said a TV station official.

*Activities as Arashi will decrease drastically from next year.

Two regular programs, VS Arashi and Arashi Ni Shiyagare, are likely to end this year. It's hard to think that four people without Ohno will continue the program. Next year each member will be active in their respective specialty fields.Ninomiya and Matsumoto will be only actors, Sakurai will be a caster, Aiba host variety shows, “That's why the Olympic Games are a valuable opportunity for everyone to come together"

If the "postponement plan" is realized, it will lead to a new legend.

"Even though it's been a few weeks, if all of us are together, we will be given the image of "Arashi is still alive." Even if the Olympics are over, fans should think "someday will come back." If you do, it will become a legend that will remain in Johnny's history."

If the corona is over, the five people will show their fans a “endless dream”.

週刊女性 (2020.08.04 next issue)

Author note: Read this gossip with the image of new MV "In the summer" when all members points to Ohno and support him... I should upload the screencap but sorry I'm lazy. "reunite for Olympics" sounds good for me!  It's better  than nothing! - If any mistake - sure there are- Don't hesitate to pm me. by A-san

[arashigossip]

NAGASE TOMOYA TO BE INDEPENDENT FROM OFFICE

*Josei Seven June 11, 2020 issue

In February of this year, “Weekly Bunshun” (released on February 27th), Tomoya Nagase (41 years old) reported that he leaves the Johnny's office in April 2021 and TOKIO also will disband.

The proof was Nagase in february breaked office rules and stars to filming a independent movie… Around February, before the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics was decided, Nagase was witnessed on the streets of Tokyo. "He was doing a secret location. Nagase gave a performance instruction to the performers with gestures and gestures, and the staff called him "Director". Details are clear It seems that he was filming a self-produced movie.” (Fashion magazine official). Nagase once spoke of his passion for movies and music in a magazine interview. It is said when you broke the rules of “exclusiveness” immediately you are banned for upcoming activities…

Nagase seems to have been secretly shooting without the acknowledgment of members and the office. (TV station official)

--

The reason why Johnny's office desperately detained Tomase Nagase, who has been already departed.. It's not just the problem of TOKIO dissolution…

On the other hand, Johnny's office seems to be undergoing a widespread and drastic change due to the death of its founder, Johnny Kitagawa . Among them, the trend of Nagase is also the key.

"It started to mess around the dissolution of SMAP . Before Johnny death Arashi has decided to suspend its activities in 2020, and Kanjani is in a state incomplete with the departures of Ryo Nishikido and Subaru Shibuya. Then the independence of the veteran Masahiro Nakai was a shock. And the popular Yuya Tegoshi after been suspended for an indefinite period of time, leaves the office and become independent. And if Nagase leaves and TOKIO is dissolved, the centripetal force become stronger a and dissolve the entire Johnny's office?  . TV there is no influence on the stations and advertising agencies. Seems J&A can´t produce a popular group for the next generation. At all costs  seems Johnny's wants to stop him from leaving, not only the people around him are holding his hands. They think when Nagase will starring a big hit drama that make he continue to work in his current environment"

What kind of development awaits Nagase in the future? The concerns of Johnny's office and TOKIO fans are endless.

"Weekly Bunshun" also reported the Nagase intentions of leaves the office. Nagase has already announced that he intends to leave the Johnny's office and may leave after next spring. It is said that the drama starring Nagase will be announced in January next year.” (Entertainment reporter)

"The drama is scheduled to be broadcast on Friday, January 21, at 22:00, the title of the work is “Ore no ie no hanashi”  with the same directors/producers of "Ikebukuro West Gate Park", “Tiger & Dragon” and “Unubore deka”...

"The story of my house" It will be a commemorative "graduation  drama” before Nagase's leaving Johnny's office."

2020.06.13 [エンタMEGA] 

Tomoya Nagase boycotts TOKIO's work!

He refusal of pick up a direct call from Shigeru Joshima and also Tokio non-participation of Twenty Twenty is a proof that dissolution is the default route

Some reports from june added the same informations and point out the departure of Nagase “is imminent” 

On May 13, Johnny's new unit "Twenty ★ Twenty" was announced.

"It is a unit made up of the so-called debut group, but TOKIO does not participate. Also on the afternoon of the 13th, Twitter trend has entered 

"Twenty Twenty, TOKIO is not included” or comments such as “I wanted you to include TOKIO” were also sent.” (Women's journalist)

It seems unnatural that TOKIO does not participate in the popular group, but It is unavoidable to consider that since Yamaguchi's scandal and withdrawal, music activities have not been performed.

"As Johnny's office, of course, I would like to avoid leaving Nagase and dissolving TOKIO.

However, Nagase intention to leave may be stronger than they expected, and it may be out of control. If Nagase does not even plan to resume TOKIO's music activities, is impossible for Johnny’s to retain any longer.

In fact the other month on april 15th, actor Yōsuke Kubozuka a close friend of Nagase said on  instagram Live "Nagase-kun also said he will retire from Johnny's." and fans make a fuss.

日刊大衆 Nikkan Taishu May 16, 2020

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Author Note: [REQUESTED] Sorry for the late reply ! Do Not hesitate to send another inquiry or request.. By A~san

[arashigossip]

Kohaku Uta Gassen (I)

The end of the year is getting closser. NHK has decided the motto for this year: "Let's sing a dream". It's the same theme for the last year, for NHK director reflex the aim for Tokyo Olympics "Many people started to walk with their dreams and hopes, in the same event they wanted to support their dreams with the power of singing".

Last year, Kasumi Arimura and Masaki Aiba were in charge of white and red team  respectively. The audience rating was 40.1% in the first half (7:15 pm - 8:55 pm) 35.1% (Kanto area, survey of video research · the same below), the second half (9:00 - 11:45 pm). In the Kansai region, the first half recorded 34.0% and the second half 39.5%. (Modelpress editorial department) 

The participants aren't decided yet, but it's time to start thinking in the moderators. Kohaku has always been a time to enjoy for every generations, the moderator usually is a person reliable and with good reception in younger and older generations. Jimusho has been providing the moderator of white team sience 2008 every last year. Without SMAP presence the most secure option is Arashi. 

Some Fans are upset with the idea of one member MC. Some others fans says the last year doesn't work good with Aiba. Sakurai and Ninomiya have experience in the MC task in their own variety shows but kohahu is totally diffrent.

In other hand the non-fans viewers says the NHK doesn't have to call a Johnnys talent again and again. "It's true the jimusho is the most secure option, but the last year they promise one person in charge and end with the whole group", "it's time to change" are heard. 

For the female team host they planned a well recognized talent in the foreign countries. The voices raising arround the name of Naomi Watanabe. They have to find team hosts with good chemistry between them.

[aramajapan]

Arashi, Sandaime J Soul Brothers, E-girls, V6, and More to Perform on "Ongaku no Hi 2019"

On July 13, TBS will air this year’s edition of its annual mid-year music special, “Ongaku no Hi.” The show will begin at 2 PM that day and end at 5 AM the following day. Nakai Masahiro and TBS announcer Azumi Shinichiro will host the show for the ninth consecutive year. With the Tokyo Olympics […]

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