Arashi's new album already sold over 500,000 copies

All the Best! 1999-2009 Limited Edition cover

This week, top boyband Arashi meaning “storm,” released their third singles compilation album celebrating their 10 year anniversary entitled, All the Best! 1999-2009. Selling over half a million copies already in three days, the group is well on its way to be the best selling artist of 2009. This year is certainly the quintet’s year with three singles debuting in the #1 spot in the Oricon charts, a sold-out three day concert in the Olympic stadium in Tokyo, and leading drama roles for all the members. Arashi is currently a hot commodity in Japan that makes one forget about the world economic crisis.

Inside the limited edition booklet

Comprised of Masaki Aiba (26), Jun Matsumoto (25), Kazunari Ninomiya (26), Satoshi Ohno (28), and Sho Sakurai (27), this Johnny’s and Associates group have been dabbling in a variety of entertainment mediums for the last ten years apart from being singers and dancers. Yet, it was only in 2008 with hit singles Truth/Kaze no Mukou e and One Love did the group’s popularity taken a boom and both singles placed #1 and #2 respectively in the annual Oricon singles charts. Their last year’s success seems to be a precursor to their 2009 anniversary that started with a bang with the release of group member Sakurai’s movie Yatterman and single Believe, which played in the closing credits of the movie. For now, Arashi is unstoppable with their six month concert starting at the end of the month and a rumored new single that will be released near the end of the year.

Arashi is everywhere in Japan

Their new album, All the Best! 1999-2009, come in limited and regular editions. The limited edition comes with a 40 page photo booklet and a third CD that has ten songs chosen by the members. Both versions have a new song 5x10, which the quintet dedicates to their fans. The regular edition, despite the lack of the bonus songs, does offer a hidden track at the end of 5x10. This singles collection is a great way for newer fans to obtain a copy of older singles that might not be in circulation anymore. While listening to the album, Arashi’s road to maturation and evolution of their sound become more evident to the listener. From A.RA.SHI to Crazy Moon ~Kimi wa Muteki, All the Best! is the complete compilation of the group’s singles so far. This album is definitely a must have for collectors and casual fans alike.