虹の世界

Arashi’s Then & Now 💙❤️💚💛💜

cr: Ninomi酱

Sakurai Sho   Aiba Masaki

Arashi instagram au

Five-day Trip! (Jun’s version)

└ That smile, that cheer, that happiness~~

Cr: “未完” MV Making of from「Untitled」album

Your pout is cute.

Untitled | Yoru no Kage

Untitled | Penlight Appreciation

Wow…

The whole Arashi news definitely shocked me, but after letting it all sink in for a good almost 12 hours, I’m actually starting to feel this isn’t as bad as people make it sound. 

I’ve only seen bits and pieces of the press conference, but it left me feeling a bit warm and reassured inside instead of just sad and devastated. They strongly stated that this is a HIATUS. Ohno wanted to quit and leave Arashi all together but after many discussions, they concluded to taking a break and that is 1000000x better already. I am so grateful for their communication and strong bond that they have. It could have been worse, honestly.

I’m also thankful that they announced it now than later. At first I thought it was a bad idea to state such heavy news during their 20th anniversary when it’s supposed to be all rainbows and butterflies. But this will make us appreciate them even more and be in the present, cherishing every moment. Because let’s be honest, I think a lot of us, including myself, have taken them for granted at some point…. we thought they’ll be around forever. Come to think of it, not a lot of artists release a new album and go on tour every single year like Arashi does. They deserve this break more than anyone else, and I want to support their decision. So thank you Arashi, for giving us a 2 years cushion/preparation, I guess you can call it. It’s better than ‘we’re taking a break tomorrow bye y’all.’

How they still smiled and even joked a bit during a tough time, how Sho and Nino immediately came to the rescue and protected smol riida, how none of the members blamed Ohno but rather talked their hearts out like proper adults until everyone reached an agreement…it’s those little-not-so-little things that make Arashi so special. They are amazing role models and show us what it truly means to care for one another, and I’m so proud to be their fan. 

They’ve been working hard and making us happy for 20 years. Surely they need a break to recharge and do some reflecting. I mean, ignoring the fact that being in a boy band is different than being let’s say an accountant, I can’t even imagine myself doing only one thing for 20 years straight. We saw it coming that sooner or later, they’re gonna be curious about other things. So I want Ohno to explore and do everything he’s ever dreamed of to his content. They say curiosity killed the cat, but actually, satisfaction brings it back. So I’m optimistic that they’ll be back, stronger and hotter than ever haha♡

This doesn’t mean I’m not sad at all, but I’m just saying I could see it in a different perspective now too. Let’s all stay strong together. Thank you thank you Arashi for everything you’ve done already and for everything you’re going to do in the future.

The presscon was not as hard to get through as I thought it would be.

Thank you for smiling and laughing during the whole thing. Thank you for making Ohno feel comfortable to talk about this in front of the press. Thank you for understanding his concerns. Thank you for not pushing it aside even if consensus was 4 v 1. Finally, thank you for not blaming him for anything and for reminding everyone not to think of him as a bad guy in this situation.

It takes a weight off of my heavy heart to see that they’re all in good terms and that they made the decision as a group. As expected.

Thank you for being the Arashi we love. Onto the next 2 years!

Seeing them being able to make jokes, have fun, smiling and still being happy despite announcing their “hiatus” made me calm down and feel reassured that this isn’t a decision made by one but as a group. This is a decision they made because they trust one another. This is a decision they willingly made because they don’t want to go on without our dear Riida. That they decided this because they are 5, they are Arashi.

This is just a proof of just how amazing Arashi is, of how strong their bond is, of how selfless they are when it comes to their other members. A proof of their love for each other, for Arashi.

This is a proof we are to be proud of.

Earlier today, I wanted to watch the “Don’t You Get It” PV just for kicks because it is one of favorites.

Little did I know, later this day, Arashi would announce their hiatus.

I wasn’t sure how to react at first because I didn’t know if I should believe it.

But it is true, and here we are.

Ohno’s statement wherein he said, “For once, I wanted to live a life of freedom, without being tied down” broke me.

20 years of nonstop work is a blessing for sure, but I imagine it came with a lot of sacrifices from the five of them.

I have so much respect for this group and I have so much respect for Ohno, who must have mustered all of his strength to speak out what was in is heart.

Truly, to see them still in their smiling selves at the press con is so comforting and reassuring because it shows that their friendship does not end with Arashi and that they love and care and respect one another so much.

Their friendship means so much to me, more than anything.

Their friendship taught me that, in my life, when you are surrounded by the right kind of people, you can achieve your dreams—and Arashi has done / is doing just that.

This hiatus, this much-deserved break, this long overdued rest is not the end of Arashi.

I know that in my heart, and Arashi themselves know and believe in that more than all of us.

What a time to see unfold…

Honestly, I wish them nothing but the best. They will always have my support.

And as the song sings “Don’t you worry, don’t you worry, don’t you worry~”

Let’s give it all we got until 2020!!!