From Brutal Training to Global Stardom: Inside J‑Pop Phenomenon XG

Tue Jun 23 2026 21:59:29 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Japanese pop group XG braves five‑year training, viral hits and a bold gender‑identity announcement to become a global sensation.

Japanese pop group XG, formed after a grueling five‑year training regime, has catapulted from the shadows of East Asia to worldwide acclaim. The seven‑member band is known for their unique pre‑show chant that symbolizes an unbreakable bond, and their music fuses R&B with hip‑hop and futuristic beats. In 2025, lead rapper Cocona publicly declared herself transmasculine and non‑binary, prompting the group’s initialism to shift from Xtraordinary Girls to Xtraordinary Genes. With a debut hit “Tippy Toes” and a chart‑topping album, XG booked performances at Wembley, Coachella and are now launching a year‑long world tour beginning at Wembley Arena this September.

From Brutal Training to Global Stardom: Inside J‑Pop Phenomenon XG

Japanese pop ensemble XG—initially christened Xtraordinary Girls—rose to prominence after a relentless five‑year training ordeal that pushed 21 hopefuls to a final line‑up of seven. Their debut single “Tippy Toes” (2022) spun on a minimalist hip‑hop beat and quickly attracted global attention, culminating in a record‑shattering 49 million YouTube plays and a hit that leaked on TikTok.

Every night before a show the group gathers in a circle, the leader, Jurin, chants “Hesono‑o” followed by the chorus’s unanimous “Oh.” The phrase, borrowed from the Japanese word へその緒 meaning “umbilical cord,” symbolizes a birth‑linked destiny and the band’s bond—a theme reflected in their name’s evolution to Xtraordinary Genes after a member’s public gender declaration.

Their first major performance, a rain‑soaked debut at Capital’s Summertime Ball in Wembley Stadium, showcased vibrant neon outfits and synchronized choreography. July’s show was marked by the group’s leadership over a tightly knit huddle, a practice they adopted after training began when some members were as young as eleven.

After Cocona’s heartfelt Instagram statement on her 20th birthday—she revealed herself as transmasculine and non‑binary—the entire team rallied. The band pivoted the initialism from Xtraordinary Girls to Xtraordinary Genes, an explicit ode to authenticity and self‑acceptance. The band's images, shot by team photographer Jurin, honored Cocona’s top‑surgery scars and highlighted the group’s solidarity.

The Core, their latest studio release, represents a shift from nostalgic R&B to a broader sonic palette. Lead single “Gala” features a Vogue‑inspired ballroom beat, while “Hypnotise” channels P‑Y music from CeCe Peniston. The track “O.R.B.” further expands the band’s musical universe, fusing squealing guitars and a message of brotherhood that fans interpret as a nod to Cocona’s journey.

XG’s influence has earned them a spot on Coachella in 2025, the only Japanese act that year. Now, they open a year‑long world tour beginning in September at Wembley Arena. They emphasize “core” energy on stage, with members sharing downtime through anime and snowboarding, ensuring that their emotive “umbilical cord” remains unbroken.

As XG grows, their brand consolidates on inclusivity, dynamic music and fiercely loyal fandom, proving that a concerted vision can break boundaries on both stage and society.