On May 2, 2008, it was announced that the band would be going on hiatus when the following message was posted on the band's official website[2]:

ELLEGARDEN has been in the process of creating a new album since last year, however, during the band’s activities, there arose a difference in opinion regarding the motivation for creating a new album. We no longer feel we are able to create an album that we would be satisfied with, and after much discussion we arrived at the conclusion to end the creation of the album and suspend the band’s activities indefinitely. All previously decided shows (including shows not yet announced) up until early September 2008 will still be performed.

We want to thank everyone who has supported ELLEGARDEN from the bottom of our hearts. In order to once again create new music as ELLEGARDEN, each of us wants to work on our own personal growth and development. Thank you for everything. -ELLEGARDEN Leader, Shinichi Ubukata

Following the recording hiatus announcement, the band has continued to perform live and recently announced a greatest hits album entitled “ELLEGARDEN BEST (1998-2008)".[2] The album consists of 21 songs and was released on July 2, 2008. After appearances at several high-profile festivals (including Rock in Japan, Sky Jamboree, Nano Mugen Fes, Treasure 05x ~The Greatest Riot Returns~ and others), the band performed four one-man shows in early September to give its fans a send-off before the hiatus; two performances at Zepp Osaka followed by two performances at Shinkiba Studio Coast in Tokyo.