From Dorm Sprints to Coachella: The Rise of XG

Tue Jun 23 2026 21:02:20 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Five years behind the scenes, 21‐year‑old aspirants became Japan’s hottest pop band. Their pre‑show ritual ties together a story of unity, identity and global ambition.

Japanese pop group XG evolved from a five‑year training regime that began with 11‑year‑olds to a global phenomenon with shows at Wembley and Coachella. Their unique “Hesono‑o” chant—signifying an umbilical bond—speaks to the unity forged through rigorous, sometimes brutal, training. The band’s debut single “Tippy Toes” and later album “The Core” grew a worldwide fanbase, while their early‑career drama and supportive identity—most recently a trans‑masculine, non‑binary announcement—demonstrate how XG keeps their core intact as they expand globally.

From Dorm Sprints to Coachella: The Rise of XG

Five years – and an unbreakable bond – has taken the seven‑member Japanese pop band XG from the cramped dorm rooms of a talent academy to the bright lights of Wembley Arena and the thunderous crowds of Coachella. Their story is a mix of grinding practice, brutal training regimes, and an unusual pre‑show ritual that keeps the group tightly knitted together.

Hesono‑o: The Umbilical Chant

Every evening before a performance, the seven members form a circle, clasp hand for hand. The leader, Jurin, shouts Hesono – a Japanese word meaning umbilical cord – and the rest echo a spirited “Oh!” The chant, born from a girl's childhood dream of a mother‑child bond, symbolizes their shared destiny and the fierce, collective thought that drives the band.

Training Days and Early Struggles

XG began in 2016, when 21 hopefuls were selected from thousands across Japan. They lived together, received lessons from dawn to dusk in singing, dancing, and multilingual performance. The training was unforgiving: a documentary inside the dorm showed youths violently scolded for sharing photos, only to learn that public appearances would come later. The hardest moments, such as Maya’s account of endless squats and tears, revealed the physical and mental toll of an idol’s early career.

Breakthrough and Global Beat

In 2022, XG entered the public eye with “Tippy Toes,” a minimalist hip‑hop track that mixed rap flow with melodic riffs. The title phrase “Understand that we didn't come to play – here to dominate” sets a tone that resonated worldwide, earning millions of views on TikTok and YouTube. Subsequent singles such as “Galaz Xypher,” “Shooting Star” and “Woke Up” further expanded their catalogue, fusing sci‑fi aesthetics and R&B grooves.

Identity and Inclusion

In December, member Cocona, the group’s lead rapper, publicly declared themselves trans‑masculine and non‑binary on Instagram. It was a rare move in the tightly‑controlled J‑pop world and sparked widespread support from fellow members, fans, and even the band’s management. The announcement led the group to rename XG – from “Xtraordinary Girls” to “Xtraordinary Genes” – reinforcing a broader message of authenticity and self‑acceptance.

A Global Tour and the Core Vision

2025 marked XG’s first performance at Coachella, being the sole Japanese act on the lineup. Now on a year‑long world tour, the band’s latest album, The Core, showcases a departure from old sounds, inviting a dark, futuristic vibe. Lead single “Gala” merges a Vogue‑inspired ballroom beat with “house” piano echoes from CeCe Peniston, while “O.R.B.” adds a rock‑electronic swagger celebrating brother‑solidarity, a nod to Cocona’s journey.

Keeping the Cord Intact

British audiences will hear XG perform at Wembley Arena in September, part of the worldwide tour that promises both high‑energy shows and renewed intimacy. The band’s managers emphasise the importance of a clear “on/off switch,” ensuring downtime allows members to rest, pursue personal hobbies—Harvey loves trombone, Hinata enjoys anime—and stay balanced so they never break that essential umbilical cord.

From brutal training floors to international stages, XG proves a relentless bond can fuel success, and that in a world defined by expectations, the true power lies in staying true to oneself and one’s core together.