Summary (tl;dr)

Cocona, a member of the global Japanese music group XG, has publicly come out as transmasculine and non-binary on their 20th birthday, revealing they underwent top surgery earlier this year. This announcement, shared on the group's official Instagram, has sparked significant discussion within the global entertainment industry.

Essential Background

XG (Xtraordinary Girls) is a seven-member Japanese hip-hop and R&B-inspired group that debuted in March 2022 and is based in South Korea. The group has gained an international following with their English-language music and performances, including appearances at global events like Coachella. Cocona is one of the group's rappers and vocalists.

The Full Story

On December 6, 2025, to mark their 20th birthday, Cocona shared a personal statement on XG's official Instagram account announcing their identity as AFAB (assigned female at birth) transmasculine non-binary. In the heartfelt message, Cocona explained that they had undergone top surgery earlier in the year and that the label of "female" had never truly represented who they are. They expressed gratitude for the support from their fellow XG members, their parents, and XGALX CEO Simon Jakops, highlighting that this journey of self-acceptance has given them courage.

Why It Matters

Cocona's public coming out as transmasculine and non-binary is a significant moment for LGBTQ+ representation in the global music industry, particularly within Japanese and Korean entertainment, where such disclosures are relatively rare. This brave announcement from an artist with a large international fanbase can foster greater understanding and inclusion, providing visibility for transgender and non-binary individuals worldwide. The overwhelmingly supportive response from fans and the group's management underscores a growing acceptance and celebrates individuality within popular culture.

Geographic Location

• South Korea (XG's group base and operational location for the announcement)
• Japan (Cocona's nationality and the origin of the group's members, where the cultural impact of this announcement resonates)