Watch out, J-pop and K-pop stars, here comes China

Backed by internet powerhouses, a new wave of idols is set to break

Arashi's announcement that they is taking a break after 2020 shocked fans in Asia. It may give entertainers from South Korea and China a chance to fill the void. (Photo courtesy of Johnny & Associates)

JUSTINA LEE and ERI SUGIURA, Nikkei staff writers

March 24, 2019 11:31 JST

SINGAPORE/TOKYO -- "Arashi will be on indefinite hiatus after 2020!" exclaimed a tweet. Within minutes, Twitter in Asia was flooded with cries of despair from fans of Japanese pop group Arashi, upset that the group, which made its debut almost 20 years ago, has decided to suspend its activities, starting in 2021.