_{Words by Kayla Hamilton}

In the world of pop, some follow trends while others buck them. Some ride a small wave before disappearing, while others grow and evolve. The case of the latter in both regards is pop group XG (Xtraodinary Genes). Scouted and trained through the idol systems of both Korea and their home country of Japan, the group debuted in 2022 and quickly made their mark globally. After the success of their 2025 trip down under, they are returning this October for two shows. One in Melbourne on the 12th and the other in Sydney on the 14th. (Check the bottom of the article for more details)

Since their last appearance in Australia though, XG has undergone somewhat of an evolution. Many of us first got to know them through their debut single ‘Tippy Toes’. Coming at us with a unique style, striking beats and variety of vocal stylings, it was obvious that they were going to be delivering something a little different. In January 2023, they dropped ‘Shooting Star’ and suddenly, they were launched into a brand new arena. Jurin, Chisa, Hinata, Harvey, Juria, Maya and Cocona, together making up XG, became the first Japanese artist and group to hit the US Radio Top 40.

And they were just getting started.

With gold singles, a debut EP, world tours and the hype around them, suddenly XG was proving their worth and that all the hard work was paying off. Just when you thought you were impressed by the group’s early success, then 2025 came around and they showed us just what they were made of.

They started their year with an incredible Coachella appearance. In a reveal that surprised many, later in the year member Cocona on their 20th birthday came out as transmasculine and non-binary, and shared they had top surgery earlier in the year. While it may not be the sole reason for some of the changes the group went through after, it definitely was a defining moment for XG and their fans. The support the members, fans (who they call ALPHAZ, managers and producers had for Cocona was overwhelmingly strong, proving that this group was ready to stand on principle.

In the wake of this announcement, they kicked off 2026 with a fresh perspective and identity. With their name originally standing for ‘Xtraordinary Girls’, they reinterpreted the initialism as ‘Xtraordinary Genes’, a change their management Xgalx says symbolises creativity, a commitment to creating new culture beyond conventional norms and an aspiration to empower people from diverse backgrounds. This change also was followed by the release of the group’s first full-length album The Core and a world tour of the same name. In recent months, the Xgalx label has also rebranded, with XG being at the forefront of their own musical and creative direction. (You can find out more by watching the video below).

All in all, XG has gone from being a talented Japanese girl group to a creative force in the global pop industry. Dipping into a huge sonic and visual palette, always bringing something new and fresh to the stage, records and screen, it is no wonder their current world tour is bringing together fans across the world.

Australian ALPHAZ, we can experience XG’s THE CORE WORLD TOUR for ourselves this October. Tickets are on sale now through Frontier Touring. Grab them here.

Frontier Touring & AEG Presents

XG THE CORE AUSTRALIA

2026 Tour Dates

Mon 12 Oct – Rod Laver Arena (Melbourne) 
Wed 14 Oct – Qudos Bank Arena (Sydney)