XG: From Brutal Training to Global Pop Stardom

Japanese pop group XG, formed in 2016 from thousands of hopefuls, endured a five-year training regimen of dawn-to-dusk lessons in singing, dancing, and languages while living in dormitories. The seven members—Maya, Juria, Hinata, Harvey, Cocona, Chisa, and Jurin—debuted in 2022 with single 'Tippy Toes' and gained viral fame with 'Galz Xypher' (49 million YouTube plays). By 2025, they performed at Coachella as the only Japanese act. In December 2025, youngest member Cocona came out as transmasculine and non-binary, supported by bandmates. Their new album 'The Core' explores expanded sounds, including lead single 'Gala' and rock track 'O.R.B.' XG will play Wembley Arena in September 2026 as part of a world tour.