KYODO NEWS - Nov 3, 2019 - 16:55 | All, Japan

Arashi, a popular Japanese boy band that will suspend their activities next year, said Sunday they will hold two concerts at the new National Stadium in May, adding to events that will set the mood for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.

The main venue for the games will be completed later this month. The concerts are scheduled for May 15 and 16, ahead of the opening of the Olympics in July.

"It's before the Olympics and Paralympics. So we want to present a festive mood for the year 2020," band member Jun Matsumoto told a press conference, joined by four other members.

Arashi, created by giant entertainment agency Johnny and Associates Inc., shocked millions of fans across Asia in January when they announced they will suspend their activities at the end of next year after a 21-year career. They will also have a concert in Beijing next spring.

Arashi opened five social networking accounts on Sunday, including Twitter.