In brief
XG began as seven teenagers selected from 21 trainees in 2016, undergoing a grueling five‑year course that forged their bond through a pre‑show chant echoing the Japanese word for "umbilical cord." Their debut single "Tippy Toes" and viral hit "Galz Xypher" introduced a blend of rap, melodies and multi‑lingual verses, setting a global ambition. In 2025 they landed a slot at Coachella and an upcoming UK tour, while member Cocona’s transmasculine and non‑binary announcement reshaped the group’s identity from "Xtraordinary Girls" to "Xtraordinary Genes," signalling a broader message of self‑acceptance. With the release of the album "The Core," XG moved beyond nostalgic R&B, exploring futuristic sounds and lyrics about solidarity, while sustaining their fierce training ethic and camaraderie amid a public career that has drawn both acclaim and support from overseas fans.
Every evening before a show, XG members circle, tie hands, and exchange the chant "Hesono" (umbilical cord) followed by a resounding "Oh" – a pre‑concert ritual that reflects their intense bond and the idea of shared destiny.
Chosen in 2016 from thousands of hopefuls, the seven members (Maya, Juria, Hinata, Harvey, Cocona, Chisa and Jurin) trained for five years in cramped dormitories, learning singing, dancing and multilingual skills. The regime was fierce: trainees were scolded for photo‑sharing on social media, turning a strict training culture into a survival test that forged sisterhood.
Their debut single "Tippy Toes" (2022) combined minimalist hip‑hop beats with rap and melodic vocal riffs, declaring an ambition to dominate the global music landscape. This promise resonated backstage and on streaming services, with the follow‑up "Galz Xypher" netting 49 million YouTube views and a flood of TikTok reactions.
From Coachella in 2025, where they were the sole Japanese act, to a 2026 UK tour slated at Wembley Arena, XG’s reach has grown. The group is credited with bringing a vibrant, fashion‑forward aesthetic that blends neon, faux fur and unique belt buckles, as well as a science‑fiction musical vision anchored in R&B grooves.
In December 2025, Cocona publicly announced her identity as transmasculine and non‑binary, sharing the experience of moving from a female birth label to a more authentic self. The band supported her candidness, a move unprecedented in J‑pop idol culture, and consequently re‑branded XG’s initials from Xtraordinary Girls to Xtraordinary Genes, emphasising the message that it’s okay to be yourself.
Musically, XG has shifted from early R&B influences to a broader spectrum with their album "The Core." The lead single "Gala" adopts a Vogue‑inspired ballroom beat, while tracks like "Hypnotise" nod to classic house piano, and "O.R.B" offers an anthem for brotherhood. These songs reflect their evolving identity and broader cultural commentary.
Group dynamics remain central: members hold huddles for decisions, maintain a support system that balances public life with rest, and each pursues personal interests. Hinata spends downtime watching anime; Jurin rides back onto snowy slopes; Harvey involves a secret trombone skill. Such balancing helps the band maintain stamina as their schedule intensifies during the world tour.
XG’s journey demonstrates that rigorous training, strong interpersonal bonds and an openness to personal identity can propel a pop group from local beginnings to an international stage, while fostering societal discussion about gender and authenticity.
