Introduction

Arashi (嵐) is a group of Japanese idols composed of 5 members. Arashi literally means "storm", which they aimed to do, take the world by storm. Arashi is not just a music icon, they also act on TV dramas, stage plays and movies, they host several variety shows and endorse numerous products including McDonalds, Coke & Au by KDDI. Arashi is under Johnny's Jimusho, a talent agency exclusive for boys, established by Kitagawa Johnny.

History

Arashi debuted on September 15, 1999 aboard a ship in Hawaii. Their first single, A.RA.SHI went number 1 on Oricon chart and sold almost a million copies. Their 10th year commemoration album, "All the BEST! 1999-2009" is their first album that reached more than a million sale.

Music

Arashi's music is well balanced, though they often do RnB and bubblegum pop, they can also perform rock & ballad songs.

Members

Name (Kanji) : 相葉雅紀

Name (Romaji) : Aiba Masaki

Nickname : Aiba-chan

Hometown : Chiba

Birthday : December 24, 1982

Aiba-chan is the tallest member of Arashi. When he was still a junior, he was often quiet but now, he is the loudest Arashi. He is very "genki" or cheery and loves to do stupid experiments. He is the type of person who can get along with anyone, specially with children and animals. In 2009 he started in his first major role in a TV drama, "My Girl".

Name (Kanji) : 松本潤

Name (Romaji) : Matsumoto Jun

Nickname : Matsujun, DoS Banchou

Hometown : Tokyo

Birthday : August 30, 1983

Matsujun is very famous for portraying anime/manga characters into live action series, such as, Sawada Shin of Gokusen, Momo/Goda Takeshi of Kimi wa Petto and Domyouji Tsukasa of Hana Yori Dango. He was given the nickname DoS Banchou because he snaps too fast and often hit somebody (most of the time Aiba).

Name (Kanji) : 二宮和也

Name (Romaji) : Ninomiya Kazunari

Nickname : Nino

Hometown : Tokyo

Birthday : June 17, 1983

Nino is the pranksters in the group, he often say something intriguing just to see how will others react. He is the type of person that good in most of things, he can learn things easily. He made his Hollywood debut on 2006 in Clint Eastwood's Letters from Iwojima.

Name (Kanji) : 大野智

Name (Romaji) : Ohno Satoshi

Nickname :  Oh-chan, Riidaa, Captain

Hometown : Tokyo

Birthday : November 26, 1980

Oh-chan is the official leader of Arashi, though he was hesitant to accept the position and he admits that he doesn't do much of a leader. Despite his age, he is still very dependent and close to his mother. He is very good in sketching and clay sculpture. He does the most vocal lead in Arashi's songs and considered as one of the best singers in Johnny's Jimusho. In 2008, he started in his first major role in a TV drama, "Maou" which showed Oh-chan talent in acting and won him several awards.

Name (Kanji) : 櫻井翔

Name (Romaji) : Sakurai Sho

Nickname :  Sho-chan, Keio boy

Hometown : Tokyo

Birthday : January 25, 1982

Sho-chan is the rapper of Arashi, he doesn't only raps but also writes the lyrics. He is the only member who holds a college degree. Though he looks the manliest among the members, he is the most scaredy-cat. He hates heights and very poor in sports. He also made a mark in Idol world when he became a newscaster in 2006.