Key facts
- Japanese girl band XG underwent a six-year training period before their 2022 debut.
- The group's members were selected from thousands of hopefuls across Japan.
- XG's music fuses hip-hop, R&B, and sci-fi aesthetics, with recent releases exploring ballroom and house influences.
- Member Cocona publicly shared their transmasculine and non-binary identity in December, with full band support.
- The band's concept has evolved to 'Xtraordinary Genes', promoting self-acceptance.
- XG is currently on a world tour, with a UK show scheduled at Wembley Arena.
Japanese girl band XG has achieved global recognition following a demanding six-year training regimen. The seven members, who were scouted in 2016, lived together and underwent intensive lessons in singing, dancing, and multilingual communication. This rigorous period, described by members as a 'battle against myself' and 'pure survival', forged a strong bond among them.
XG debuted in 2022 with 'Tippy Toes', showcasing a blend of hip-hop and melodic vocals, and quickly established a unique musical identity fusing sci-fi aesthetics with 90s R&B grooves. Their track 'Galz Xypher' became a viral hit, amassing millions of views. The group's futuristic style and confident lyrical themes, such as 'Understand that we didn't come to play,' have defined their public image.
A significant personal development for the band occurred in December when Cocona, the youngest member, came out as transmasculine and non-binary on their 20th birthday. This announcement was met with full support from the bandmates, who assisted with the accompanying artistic presentation. Cocona's statement, unprecedented in the J-pop industry, aimed to offer hope and acceptance to others.
Following Cocona's announcement, XG redefined their group's initials from 'Xtraordinary Girls' to 'Xtraordinary Genes,' reflecting a core message of embracing individuality. Their latest album, 'The Core,' marks a musical evolution, moving beyond throwback R&B to incorporate influences from ballroom, house, and rock music, expanding their sonic universe.
The band's global ambitions are further evidenced by their performance at Coachella in 2025 and their upcoming world tour, which includes a show at London's Wembley Arena in September. The tour aims to embody the album's title, showcasing the group's 'core' identity on stage.