In a heartfelt letter posted to XG’s official Instagram account, which has 3.2 million followers, Cocona shared a series of intimate photos wearing an open black blazer that subtly revealed the scar from their chest masculinization surgery.
“Today I turned 20. As I step into this new chapter, I want to share something that has lived in my heart for a long time,” the message began.
“I am AFAB transmasculine non-binary. Earlier this year, I had top surgery. I was born and perceived as female, but that label never truly represented who I am. I live in a way that feels more masculine and authentic to me. The hardest thing I have ever faced was accepting and embracing myself. But as I slowly began to do that, I was able to open a new door.”
Cocona expressed deep gratitude to their six bandmates, their parents, the XG staff, and the group’s worldwide fandom, known as ALPHAZ.
“This message turned out a bit long, but I just want to say thank you — for walking beside me and supporting me all this way. I’m so excited for the future we’ll continue to create together with XG and XGALX. May these words gently light a spark in someone’s heart. And to everyone who needs it — may my love reach all of them.”
Cocona did not specify any change in pronouns and the statement was written in first-person without gendered language.
The announcement immediately went viral, garnering hundreds of thousands of likes and messages of support within hours. Fans flooded social media with rainbow emojis and personal stories of how Cocona’s courage had inspired them, while fellow artists and LGBTQ+ advocates praised the move as a landmark moment for visibility in Japanese and global pop culture.
Formed in 2022 under the innovative label XGALX, XG (short for “Xtraordinary Girls”) is a seven-member hip-hop and R&B act consisting of Jurin, Chisa, Hinata, Harvey, Juria, Maya, and Cocona. The group has rapidly gained international fame for its bold, genre-defying sound and English-heavy lyrics, performing at Coachella earlier this year and selling out arenas on their first world tour.
Their debut full-length album, THE CORE, is scheduled for release in January 2026.
In an industry where idols are often expected to maintain carefully curated public images, Cocona’s decision to speak openly about their gender identity and surgical transition is being described as groundbreaking. While a handful of K-pop and J-pop artists have come out in recent years, very few have done so while actively promoting with a major group, and even fewer have shared details about gender-affirming medical procedures.
The overwhelming majority of reactions from fans and the wider music community have been celebratory and supportive. XG’s agency quickly reaffirmed its full backing, with producer and CEO Simon (Jakops) posting: “I am deeply moved and filled with respect as Cocona courageously shared their truth with the world.”
As XG prepares for their most ambitious era yet, Cocona’s coming-out has added a powerful new layer to the group’s message of self-empowerment and authenticity, resonating with a generation that increasingly demands representation and honesty from the artists they love.
