The Unbreakable Bond of XG
Before each performance, the seven members of the Japanese pop group XG engage in a pre-show ritual, forming a circle and joining hands. Their leader, Jurin, initiates the chant "Hesono," to which the others respond with a resounding "Oh," raising their arms skyward. This ritual carries a profound meaning for the group. "Hesono-o," which translates to "umbilical cord" in Japanese, symbolizes fate or destiny from birth and, for XG, represents their deep connection.
Chisa, the eldest member, explains, "We're so strongly connected, we're always thinking the same things." She shared a dream where the members were linked by an umbilical cord, inspiring the "Hesono-o" concept as their identity. This powerful bond was evident during their recent, rain-soaked debut at Capital's Summertime Ball in Wembley Stadium, where they were met with an enthusiastic reception.
A Decade in the Making: The Path to Stardom
The members—Maya, Juria, Hinata, Harvey, Cocona, Chisa, and Jurin—exhibited remarkable camaraderie during an interview, huddling to confer before selecting a spokesperson. This unity was forged over a decade, with some members starting their journey as young as 11 or 12.
In 2016, XG's members were chosen from thousands of hopefuls across Japan. Twenty-one trainees lived together in dormitories, undergoing a demanding daily regimen of singing, dancing, and multilingual lessons. This training was often harsh, as documented in an early documentary showing trainees being reprimanded for social media use and enduring physically taxing exercises, including squats until exhaustion or tears.
Maya described the experience as "the toughest and most difficult experience I've ever had – a battle against myself physically and mentally." Chisa referred to it as an act of "pure survival." However, this rigorous environment eventually fostered a strong sisterhood. As candidates were divided into teams, they began pushing each other to improve, leading to a profound sense of unity. During the latter part of their training, they started spending more time together, traveling, holding sports days, and watching movies, especially scary ones, which further solidified their bond as "real-life siblings," according to Hinata.
Breaking Barriers and Embracing Identity
After six years of intense preparation, XG debuted in 2022 with their single "Tippy Toes," a minimalist hip-hop track showcasing their seamless transitions between rap and melodic vocals. The lyrics, such as "Understand that we didn't come to play / Here to dominate," articulated their global aspirations. They fulfilled this promise with "Galz Xypher" (2022), a trilingual rap track that became a viral hit on TikTok and garnered 49 million YouTube views. Subsequent releases like "Shooting Star" and "Woke Up" further defined their musical style, blending sci-fi aesthetics with 90s R&B grooves. By 2025, they were the sole Japanese act booked for Coachella.
Amidst their burgeoning career, the youngest member, Cocona, underwent a personal transformation. In December, on their 20th birthday, Cocona publicly came out as transmasculine and non-binary via an Instagram post. This was a significant and rare declaration within the typically conservative J-pop industry, but it received full support from their bandmates. Jurin took the artistic photos accompanying the announcement, which featured Cocona's top surgery scars, while Chisa did their makeup. Fans responded with overwhelming love and acceptance, which Cocona expressed deep gratitude for, hoping their story would inspire others.
Following Cocona's announcement, XG's identity also evolved. The initials, initially standing for "Xtraordinary Girls," now represent "Xtraordinary Genes," conveying a message of self-acceptance and breaking preconceptions, as explained by Chisa and Jurin.
A New Era: The Core and Global Tour
This message is central to their new album, "The Core," which deviates from the throwback R&B of their earlier EPs towards a more expansive sound. The lead single, "Gala," features a Vogue-inspired ballroom beat, while "Hypnotise" draws inspiration from 90s house piano. Maya noted that the iconic piano sound of "Hypnotise" immediately made them realize it had to be the title track, appreciating its danceable yet dark and mysterious vibe.
Another notable track, "O.R.B," combines squealing guitars with a theme of "bro solidarity," widely interpreted as a show of support for Cocona. Chisa recalled wanting a band-style rock song and being reminded of Avril Lavigne when they heard the demo, feeling it expanded their musical universe.
British fans will have the opportunity to experience XG's evolving sound during their first UK show at Wembley Arena this September, part of a year-long world tour. Juria promises that the concerts will embody the album's title, showcasing their "core" on stage. Despite escalating demands, the group prioritizes maintaining their bond and personal well-being. Hinata emphasizes the importance of a clear on/off switch and spending downtime with members, enjoying anime. Jurin, a former professional snowboarder, finds balance on the slopes, while Harvey harbors a secret talent for playing the trombone, hoping to perform with the band one day.
Source: How Japanese girl band XG went from brutal six year training to global pop stars