Actor and director Kazuki Nishikori thanked the pop group Arashi for their stage assistance during a press event on Tuesday [1].
The gesture comes at a pivotal moment for the Japanese music industry, as the comments were made just one day before Arashi is scheduled to perform its final live concert on June 3, 2026 [1, 2].
Nishikori appeared at the launch event for his first solo photo-book and calendar, titled “Kotonoha —10 Carats of Murmurs—” [1]. During the interview, reporters asked the actor for his thoughts regarding the impending final performance by the pop group.
Nishikori noted that while he did not have many personal points of contact with the group, they provided significant support. "When it comes to Arashi, in terms of points of contact, there weren't that many... But they helped a lot with the stage," Nishikori said [1].
The actor, who turned 60 last year [1], also shared an observation about the timing of his own promotional event. He said that he only learned the day before that Arashi's final live show was scheduled for the following day [1].
"I heard around yesterday that the last live is tomorrow... Well, if you think about it, this event is like the calm before the storm of Arashi," Nishikori said [1].
The event served as a dual celebration of Nishikori's career and the release of his latest publications, though the conversation shifted toward the legacy of the pop group as they prepare for their final farewell to fans [1, 2].
“"But they helped a lot with the stage,"”
The public acknowledgement of Arashi's backstage support by a veteran actor like Nishikori highlights the group's influence and collaborative nature within the Japanese entertainment industry. As the group approaches its final performance, these testimonials underscore the professional impact Arashi has had beyond their commercial success as idols.
