Who is Juria XG? The Real Story Behind XG's Rising Star (2024)

Starting her musical journey at just 10 years old, Juria XG has transformed from a young aspiring singer into one of the main vocalists of the rising global girl group XG. Born in Osaka, Japan, she began her entertainment career early, appearing in Nintendo commercials at age 11 before finding her true calling in music.

Currently, she stands as a vital member of XG, one of the most promising new groups in the industry. Since their debut in March 2022, Juria has showcased her exceptional vocal abilities as part of the seven-member ensemble, contributing to their unique X-POP style that aims to transcend borders. Her story represents a remarkable evolution from her early days with amorecarina tokyo to becoming an essential voice in XG's global mission to connect with audiences worldwide.

Early Life and Family Background

The roots of Juria's musical journey trace back to her hometown of Osaka, Japan. Her early years were particularly shaped by a household where music played a constant role in daily life.

Her mother, who once dreamed of becoming an artist herself, filled their home with melodies and musical inspiration. This musical environment particularly influenced young Juria, who began singing at age 10. Her mother's unrealized artistic aspirations became a driving force, creating an atmosphere where creativity and musical expression flourished naturally.

Additionally, Juria's childhood dreams extended beyond music. Although she initially pursued snowboarding with professional aspirations, a significant turning point occurred when she reached age 14. At this crucial juncture, she found herself contemplating her true passions. Meanwhile, her connection to music remained constant, thanks to her parents' love for various musical styles.

The young artist's early dreams were diverse and ambitious. Much like her favorite childhood icon Hannah Montana, she envisioned a future that combined singing, dancing, and acting. This multifaceted approach to entertainment would later prove valuable in her career development. Her childhood experiences, shaped by both athletic pursuits and artistic inclinations, created a unique foundation for her future in the entertainment industry.

First Steps in Entertainment

Long before joining XG, Juria's entertainment career began with commercial work. Her first significant breakthrough came through an appearance in Nintendo's 3DS commercial. This early exposure to the camera demonstrated her natural ability to connect with audiences, even as a young performer.

Furthermore, Juria expanded her presence in the entertainment industry through her role in the children's show 'Piramekino'. This experience provided her with valuable screen time and helped develop her confidence in front of cameras. Subsequently, her television appearances grew more diverse, including guest spots on several prominent shows.

During her early career development, Juria maintained an active presence across various television programs. Her appearances included guest roles on notable shows such as 'CDTV Live! Live!' in 2020. Following these initial successes, she continued to build her portfolio with appearances on 'Venue101' and other entertainment programs.

These early experiences proved instrumental in shaping Juria's path toward becoming a professional performer. Her work in commercials and television shows helped her develop the versatility needed for her future career. The skills she gained during this period would ultimately contribute to her readiness for the rigorous training that awaited her in the years ahead.

By 2017, Juria's early entertainment experiences had prepared her well for the next phase of her career. Her background in both commercial work and television had equipped her with a solid foundation in performing arts, setting the stage for her eventual journey into the music industry. These formative years in entertainment established the groundwork for her future success as a member of XG.

Journey Through Idol Groups

In June 2014, a significant chapter in Juria's musical journey began as she stepped into the world of idol groups. Under the stage name Yano Juria, she joined amorecarina tokyo as a first-generation member. The group marked their official debut on March 18, 2015, with their inaugural single "Monster High".

Throughout her time with amorecarina tokyo, Juria's talents earned her additional opportunities. Consequently, she secured a position in the group's official sub-unit, amorecarina CUTE, on July 1, 2015. Her dedication and versatility shone through as she balanced responsibilities between both the main group and sub-unit.

After all, her journey with amorecarina proved relatively brief but impactful. On September 30, 2015, she made the decision to graduate from both amorecarina CUTE and the main group. This departure, coupled with her evolving artistic vision, marked the end of her first formal idol group experience.

At this point in her career, Juria embarked on a new venture, joining the Tokyo-based local duo Juri♡Puri. For this project, she adopted the simpler stage name Juri. The duo's name cleverly combined the stage names of its members - Juri (Juria) and Purin (Momohime). Both performers shared a connection through their previous involvement with amorecarina.

The formation of Juri♡Puri represented a unique chapter in Juria's artistic development. Operating under the Avex Artist Academy banner, the duo offered her an opportunity to explore a different facet of idol performance. Moreover, this experience would later prove valuable, as her connection with Avex would eventually lead to her discovery by XGALX.

While Juri♡Puri's active period was relatively short, disbanding in the same year, the experience added another layer to Juria's growing repertoire as a performer. These early idol group experiences, from amorecarina to Juri♡Puri, helped shape her understanding of group dynamics and performance skills, setting the foundation for her future role in XG.

The Path to XG

After her experiences with local idol groups, Juria entered a new phase as a special student at Avex Artist Academy Tokyo. This marked the beginning of an intensive training period that would ultimately shape her future career.

Under Avex's guidance, Juria underwent rigorous preparation alongside thousands of other potential trainees who auditioned for the XGALX project in 2017. The training program proved exceptionally demanding, with trainees facing up to four evaluation tests monthly. These assessments often required sacrificing sleep for practice sessions that extended until 5 AM.

The preparation process spanned both Japan and Korea, reflecting XGALX's unique approach to artist development. Notably, the trainees spent extended periods in Korea, focusing primarily on mastering fundamental performance skills. This dual-location training strategy helped create a distinctive blend of Japanese and Korean entertainment styles.

The path to becoming an XG member involved mastering multiple aspects of performance. For instance, the group spent nearly two years perfecting their signature song "Mascara". This dedication to perfection became a hallmark of their pre-debut training period, strengthening both their physical capabilities and mental resilience.

XGALX's discovery and development process proved methodical and thorough. From the initial pool of candidates in 2017, seven talented individuals emerged to form what would become XG. The group's social media presence officially launched on January 25, 2022, with "XGALX - The Beginning," a video showcasing the trainees' preparation journey.

On February 20, 2022, Juria received official confirmation as the second member of XG. This announcement marked the culmination of her extensive training period and the beginning of a new chapter in her career. The group's formation under XGALX, a subsidiary of Avex, represented a groundbreaking approach to global entertainment.

Their preparation extended beyond traditional training elements to include:

Intensive language study for performing in English and Korean
Specialized vocal and dance training
Cultural adaptation for global appeal

This comprehensive preparation laid the groundwork for XG's successful launch, positioning them as pioneers in the evolving landscape of global entertainment.

Debut with XG

The culmination of years of preparation materialized on February 3, 2022, as XGALX officially revealed Juria as the sixth member of XG through her solo dance performance video "XG MOVE #2". This revelation marked a significant milestone in the group's pre-debut journey, specifically showcasing Juria's distinctive performance abilities.

Member reveal moment

The member reveal process unfolded through a series of carefully orchestrated announcements. Indeed, XG's social media accounts launched on January 25, 2022, with a compelling video titled "XGALX – The Beginning". This initial release offered glimpses of the trainees' dedication, primarily focusing on their rigorous preparation for the XGALX Project.

First performance

On March 18, 2022, XG made their highly anticipated debut with the English-language digital single "Tippy Toes". The group's inaugural performance demonstrated their commitment to excellence, with Juria delivering a powerful vocal declaration: "Understand that we didn't come to play, babe. Here to dominate".

Their debut phase included several noteworthy achievements:

First television appearance on South Korea's M Countdown, performing their second single "Mascara"
Successful integration of multiple performance styles, from hip-hop to R&B
Establishment of their unique X-POP sound, setting them apart in the industry

The group's dedication to perfection became evident through their live performances. Nonetheless, their hard work paid off as they steadily gained recognition. Their debut period showcased not only their musical talents but also their ability to connect with an international audience through their multilingual approach.

The success of their debut laid the foundation for future achievements. Therefore, when XG embarked on their first world tour, they had already established themselves as a formidable presence in the industry. Their performances consistently demonstrated the results of their extensive training, with Juria's vocal abilities playing a crucial role in their group's sound.

Vocal Style and Abilities

As a distinguished vocalist in XG, Juria's musical prowess sets her apart through a combination of technical skill and natural talent. Her vocal journey, shaped by years of dedicated training, has culminated in a distinctive style that blends multiple musical influences.

Signature singing techniques

Juria's vocal repertoire showcases a remarkable blend of techniques that define her unique sound. Primarily known for her clean, funky tone with R&B influences, she demonstrates exceptional control over various vocal elements. Her performances feature:

Clear tone production with strong resistance
Strategic use of pop-rock embellishments
Sophisticated runs and riffs showcasing vocal agility
Balanced mix of chest and head voice techniques
Precise control over soft and hard vocal dynamics

Evidently, her versatility shines through in multilingual performances, as demonstrated in the "XG VOX #5" series where she delivered a soulful rendition of the "Shape Of My Heart" medley, incorporating songs by Sting, Utada Hikaru, and Craig David.

Role as main vocalist

As XG's main vocalist, Juria's contributions extend beyond traditional singing roles. Her performances consistently demonstrate a level of professionalism that resonates with audiences worldwide. Remarkably, she has established herself as a key member through her ability to handle complex vocal arrangements and harmonies.

Her vocal capabilities particularly shine in collaborative performances with fellow members. Simultaneously working with vocalists Hinata and Chisa, she helps create dynamic harmonies that have become a signature element of XG's sound. Her voice, often described as naturally soft yet powerful, allows her to transition seamlessly between delicate passages and strong belting notes.

Undoubtedly, Juria's influence extends beyond her technical abilities. Her performances embody XG's commitment to delivering high-quality entertainment, while her charismatic stage presence adds another dimension to the group's appeal. Through her role as main vocalist, she actively contributes to XG's mission of connecting with global audiences through music that transcends cultural boundaries.

Her dedication to vocal excellence manifests in various projects, including the "XG VOX" series, where she showcases her ability to interpret different musical styles. These performances highlight not only her technical proficiency but also her emotional depth as a vocalist, particularly evident in her interpretation of complex melodic arrangements.

Life as an XG Member

Behind the polished performances and stage presence, life as an XG member involves a carefully structured routine that balances rigorous practice with team bonding. The seven members have developed a unique dynamic that stems from their years of training together.

Daily schedule

The group maintains an intensive schedule that reflects their commitment to excellence. Primarily focused on perfecting their craft, the members engage in various activities throughout the day. Their schedule encompasses:

Morning vocal and dance practice sessions
Afternoon performance rehearsals
Evening content creation for social media
Regular workout routines
Language training for global communication

Group dynamics

The bond between XG members runs remarkably deep. Accordingly, Hinata often describes their connection using the Japanese term 'へその緒' (hesono), meaning umbilical cord, emphasizing their family-like relationship. This close-knit dynamic has evolved naturally through their shared experiences and challenges.

Maya, reflecting on their team spirit, emphasizes how the members rely on each other during crucial moments. Presently, their synergy extends beyond performances, as they've developed effective communication strategies that enhance their on-stage chemistry.

Overall, the group's success stems from their careful selection process, with the seven members chosen from among 13,000 applicants in 2017. This rigorous selection has created a team where each member brings unique strengths while maintaining group harmony.

Dorm life with members

The living arrangements at XG's dorm essentially reflect their close relationships. Juria shares living space with Chisa and Hinata, creating an environment that fosters both personal growth and team bonding. Their shared living space has become a hub of creativity and mutual support.

The dorm life extends beyond mere cohabitation. Generally, members spend their free time engaging in various activities together, from gaming sessions to workout routines. These shared moments have strengthened their bonds and contributed to their natural chemistry on stage.

Their living situation has created an atmosphere where members can rely on each other both professionally and personally. This support system has proven crucial in maintaining their high-energy performances and meeting the demands of their busy schedule. The dorm environment has become a sanctuary where they can relax, recharge, and prepare for their next challenges together.

Recent Achievements

XG's trajectory in the music industry has been marked by remarkable achievements and groundbreaking records throughout 2023 and early 2024. The group's innovative approach to music has yielded impressive results across multiple platforms and regions.

Chart performances

XG's chart success began with a historic milestone as they became the first female Japanese artists to enter the Mediabase US Radio Top 40. Their single "Shooting Star" marked their initial entry into this prestigious chart, besides their B-side track "Left Right" maintaining its position for 11 consecutive weeks.

In September 2023, the group's first mini album New DNA soared to the number one position on Billboard JAPAN's 'Hot Albums' chart. The EP's success extended beyond Japan, earning a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan for surpassing 100,000 copies in shipments.

Their second mini-album AWE achieved remarkable success, securing the 175th position on the Billboard 200. In addition to this achievement, the album topped the Billboard "Heatsseekers Albums" chart, demonstrating their growing influence in the global music scene.

Notable collaborations

The group's collaborative ventures have been equally impressive. Primarily, their partnership with Riot Games in April 2024 resulted in the release of "Undefeated," a special track for the VCT Pacific 2024 tournament. The song showcased their versatility with its heavy bassline, minimalistic drum composition, and dreamy synthesizers.

Their collaborative spirit extended to working with prominent artists in the music industry. A significant milestone came through their partnership with Rico Nasty for a remix of "Shooting Star". As a result of their growing influence, they also joined forces with Jackson Wang and Ciara for a special version of "Left Right," which gained additional exposure through Wang's Coachella performance.

The group's achievements in 2024 culminated in a momentous announcement - their selection to perform at the 2025 Coachella Music Festival. Remarkably, XG secured a prominent position in the festival lineup, being placed just below the headliners. Their global tour success has been equally noteworthy, attracting more than 200,000 attendees across performances in Korea, Japan, North America, and Europe.

Beyond mainstream music collaborations, XG has fostered partnerships with various artistic entities, including visual artists like Guccimaze and Cho Gi-Seok. These creative alliances have helped establish their unique identity in the industry while maintaining their artistic integrity.