In brief
Japanese pop group XG started as a tiny group of hopefuls scouting for talent in 2016, then endured a grueling five‑year training program that tested their physical and mental limits. The band’s signature pre‑show ritual—chanting “Hesono‑o”—reflects their deep bond, likening them to an umbilical cord connecting them to their destiny. After debuting in 2022 with the single “Tippy Toes,” XG quickly rose to global attention with viral hits, a Coachella headline, and a record‑breaking UK tour. In 2025 the group further evolved, embracing gender inclusivity and launching the album *The Core* that redefines their image and sound. Now with a year‑long world tour, XG continues to push boundaries, showcasing a musical universe fused with sci‑fi aesthetics and a message of empowerment.
Every night, before the lights flash on stage, the seven members of XG clasp hands and shout their pre‑show chant, “Hesono‑o … Oh.” The phrase—derived from the Japanese word for umbilical cord—embodies their unbreakable bond and the fate they forged together the first day they met in 2016.
Originating from a cohort of 21 hopefuls who were 11 or 12 years old, XG’s brutal five‑year training involved dawn‑to‑dusk lessons in singing, dancing, acting, and multilingual skills. The academy’s strict discipline pushed them to the brink; trainees were even berated for sharing photos on social media, a rule that underlined the intensity of their regimen.
After the rigorous training, XG debuted with the single “Tippy Toes” in 2022, a minimalist hip‑hop track that showcased their rap‑to‑melody transition and declared a global ambition. Their follow‑up hit “Galz Xypher” broke records, competing with legends like Aretha Franklin and Rosalía, and racking up 49 million YouTube plays.
Their reputation grew further when they became the sole Japanese act to headline Coachella in 2025. Beyond music, XG challenged norms—Cocona publicly identified as transmasculine and non‑binary in 2025, earning the group’s full support and prompting a renaming of XG’s initials from “Xtraordinary Girls” to “Xtraordinary Genes.”
The band’s new album, *The Core*, marks a departure from first‑EP R & B roots to a more expansive sonic palette. Lead single “Gala” delivers a Vogue‑inspired beat, while “Hypnotise” pays homage to the house piano of CeCe Peniston’s “Finally.” The title track’s dark, mysterious vibe invites listeners to imagine the city’s nightlife.
Looking ahead, the group’s world tour will bring them to Wembley Arena and beyond, promising an energetic, colourful performance that reflects the album’s themes while staying true to their umbilical bond.
