Who is Cocona? Age, Career & Untold Story of XG's Rising Star

At just 17 years old, Cocona emerged as a rising star when she won the Kira Challe audition in 2018, showcasing her exceptional singing abilities. This early triumph marked the beginning of an impressive journey for the talented performer.

Notably, Cocona joined XG as the group's main rapper and youngest member, making her official debut on March 18, 2022, with the digital single "Tippy Toes." In fact, her five-year training period at AVEX Artist Academy, combined with her fluency in Korean and diverse musical influences including Lauryn Hill and Tyler The Creator, has shaped her into a versatile artist in the global music scene.

Early Life and Background

Born as Akiyama Kokona (秋山心響) on December 6, 2005, in Kanto, Japan, Cocona grew up in an environment where music played a central role in shaping her early years. Her parents, both passionate music enthusiasts, deliberately created an atmosphere filled with artistic expression. Furthermore, this musical foundation would later prove instrumental in her development as an artist.

During her formative years in Kanto, Cocona's exposure to various performing arts began at an early age. She developed proficiency in multiple languages, mastering Japanese, Korean, and English. Moreover, her childhood was marked by continuous engagement with dancing, singing, and rapping activities, setting the stage for her future career in the entertainment industry.

The young artist's musical journey took shape through diverse influences that would later define her artistic style. Since her early years, she drew inspiration from several prominent artists, particularly Lauryn Hill, who left an indelible impact on her artistic sensibilities. Additionally, Tyler The Creator's unique approach to hip-hop culture and fashion significantly shaped her creative perspective.

A pivotal moment in Cocona's musical development occurred during her sixth grade, while discovering Keyshia Cole's song "Love." This experience proved transformative, as she encountered an artist who could effectively convey emotional depth while maintaining musical appeal. Her appreciation for various musical styles expanded to include other influential artists such as TLC and Doja Cat, who continue to inspire her artistic journey.

The foundation of her current success can be traced back to these early experiences and influences. While immersed in this nurturing environment, she formed a significant friendship with Maya, who would later become her fellow group member. This connection, established during their childhood years, would prove valuable in their future professional collaboration.

Journey to Becoming XG's Cocona

Cocona's path to stardom began with her enrollment at AVEX Artist Academy, where she became a member of the project group A-CE. Throughout her five-year training period, she underwent rigorous preparation that shaped her into a multifaceted performer.

AVEX Artist Academy Training

The training regimen at AVEX proved intense and demanding. Students faced up to four evaluation tests monthly, often sacrificing sleep to meet the strict practice requirements. Cocona, along with other trainees, split their time between Japan and Korea, embracing both countries' training methodologies.

Their preparation for debut included:

Monthly performance evaluations
Intensive vocal and dance training
Language studies in Korean and English
Regular feedback sessions with instructors

The group spent almost two years perfecting their performance of "Mascara" alone, demonstrating their commitment to excellence. Subsequently, this dedication helped strengthen not only their physical capabilities but also their mental fortitude.

Winning Kira Challe Audition 2018

A defining moment in Cocona's journey occurred in 2018 when she participated in the prestigious Kira Challe audition. Her outstanding performance in the singing category, where she performed BIGBANG's "Haru Haru," secured her victory. Prior to this achievement, she had already received recognition through the Jury's Special Award in the 2017 Kirachare Vocal category.

Following her success, Cocona continued her rigorous training schedule. She developed a unique practice routine that included daily meditation and note-taking, consistently reflecting on her artistic goals and desired impact on others through music. This disciplined approach, combined with her natural talent, established her as a promising performer within the AVEX system.

Throughout this period, Cocona maintained close relationships with her fellow trainees, including Maya, who would eventually become her groupmate. Their shared experiences during these formative years created strong bonds that would prove valuable in their future professional collaboration.

Debut with XG in 2022

The formation of XG marked a significant milestone in the music industry, as XGALX carefully selected seven extraordinary talents from an impressive pool of 13,000 applicants in 2017.

Group Formation

Under XGALX's guidance, the selected members underwent rigorous training for five years before their official introduction to the public. The group's unique identity began taking shape in January 2022, specifically through their inaugural video "XGALX - The Beginning". Thereafter, the members showcased their exceptional rap and dance abilities through performance series like XG TAPE and XG MOVE.

First Single Release

On March 18, 2022, XG made their highly anticipated debut with the digital single "Tippy Toes". The debut process followed a strategic timeline:

January 25, 2022: Simon Jakops announced plans for the group's debut
January 26, 2022: Release of first dance performance teaser
February 18, 2022: Official debut date announcement
February 19-25, 2022: Individual member reveals, starting with Harvey and concluding with Jurin

The debut single "Tippy Toes" had been crafted two years prior, with its first recording taking place in December 2020. The music video production enlisted the expertise of NRI Jong, a renowned director in the K-pop industry.

Initial Public Response

The group's debut garnered substantial attention, although they initially chose not to promote on music shows. Nonetheless, their impact was immediately evident as "Tippy Toes" reached its first 10 million views within 21 days, specifically on April 8, 2022.

XG's mission resonated strongly with audiences, as they aimed to create a culture of bold creativity and empower young people to pursue their dreams without limitations. Consequently, their unique approach to music and performance style attracted a growing international fanbase.

The group's distinctive identity as an all-Japanese girl group based in Korea set them apart in the industry. Although they performed on Korean platforms, they maintained their unique identity, primarily communicating in Japanese among themselves. Their strategic positioning and authentic presentation helped establish XG as a promising new force in the global music scene.

Cocona's Role in XG

First and foremost, as XG's main rapper and youngest member, Cocona commands attention through her dynamic presence and skilled performances. Her position within the group extends beyond her technical abilities, encompassing a unique blend of artistry and leadership.

Main Rapper Position

As a result of her extensive training and natural talent, Cocona has established herself as a cornerstone of XG's musical identity. Her rap technique draws inspiration from hip-hop culture, with influences ranging from classic artists to contemporary performers. Above all, her dedication to her craft shows through her daily meditation and reflection practices, where she contemplates her artistic direction and potential impact on others.

Group Dynamic

Together with her fellow members, Cocona shares what the group describes as an "umbilical cord" connection - a profound bond that transcends typical professional relationships. This unique dynamic manifests in their performances and daily interactions, creating a sisterly atmosphere that strengthens their collective presence. Under those circumstances, the group has developed an extraordinary level of trust and understanding, evident in their synchronized performances and natural chemistry on stage.

Performance Style

Cocona's performance style stands out through several distinctive elements:

A commanding stage presence that captivates audiences
Dynamic rap delivery influenced by her hip-hop roots
Versatile performance capabilities spanning rap, dance, and vocals
Unique fashion sense that blends hip-hop esthetics with contemporary style

Her artistry is characterized by an ability to connect deeply with audiences while maintaining technical excellence. On stage, she embodies the group's message of empowerment and self-expression, contributing significantly to XG's reputation as accessible and relatable icons for young people worldwide.

The impact of her performance style became particularly evident during the group's first world tour, where her stage presence and rap skills garnered substantial attention. Her ability to incorporate classic hip-hop elements while maintaining a fresh, contemporary approach has helped establish her as a standout performer in the global music scene.

Musical Style and Influences

Deep within the realm of hip-hop and R&B, XG's musical identity takes shape through their distinctive sound and performance style. Indeed, the group's foundation firmly rests in these genres, with each member bringing unique elements to their collective artistry.

Hip-Hop Roots

The group's commitment to hip-hop culture manifests through their groundbreaking series, XG TAPE, which showcases exceptional rap skills while demonstrating the adaptability of hip-hop as a genre. Their approach to music breaks free from conventional boundaries, creating what they describe as "X-POP" - a fresh fusion of styles that sets them apart in the industry.

Rap Technique Development

Cocona's rap prowess gained widespread recognition through her performance in "[XG TAPE #2] GALZ XYPHER," where she delivered an impressive trilingual rap that went viral on TikTok, amassing 6.3 million views. Her technical abilities shine through complex wordplay and references, incorporating elements from classic hip-hop tracks while seamlessly switching between English, Japanese, and Korean.

Furthermore, her participation in "XG TAPE #3" alongside Jurin demonstrated advanced rap techniques, particularly in their rendition of "Nothin" over The Neptunes-produced beat. Their performance featured sophisticated wordplay and multiple cultural references, highlighting their deep understanding of hip-hop culture.

Artistic Inspirations

Cocona's musical journey has been shaped by various influential artists, with her primary inspirations including:

Lauryn Hill: Her earliest rap influence, discovered at age 8/9
Tyler, The Creator: Impacting both her hip-hop approach and fashion sense
TLC and Destiny's Child: Shaping her understanding of group dynamics

Meanwhile, the group's collective style draws inspiration from iconic artists like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and SZA. This diverse range of influences contributes to XG's unique sound, which they describe as "based on R&B and Hip-hop with XG originality".

Their artistic vision extends beyond mere performance, hence incorporating messages of empowerment and breaking boundaries through their music. Similarly, their approach to creating music involves careful attention to both sonic elements and visual presentation, ensuring each release tells a connected story within the broader XG universe.

Notable Performances and Achievements

Throughout 2024, XG's remarkable journey reached new heights with groundbreaking performances and unprecedented achievements. The group's trilingual 'GALZ XYPHER' clips generated massive viral moments, establishing their presence in the global music scene.

Breakthrough Moments

XG's ascent to stardom accelerated remarkably with their first world tour, "THE FIRST HOWL TOUR," which spanned across Asia, the U.S., and Europe. The tour's success culminated in a historic announcement - XG secured a coveted spot at Coachella 2025.

The group's performances garnered attention for their exceptional stage presence, particularly at international venues. In Europe, audiences displayed unprecedented enthusiasm, creating memorable moments:

Venues shaking from synchronized audience stomping
Entire crowds joining in passionate chants
Spontaneous fan reactions spreading across social media

The 2NE1 Remix performance emerged as another milestone, accumulating 350,000 views and generating approximately 1,500 positive quote tweets, primarily from new audiences discovering XG's talent.

Fan Favorite Stages

Ultimately, Cocona's solo stage at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco proved to be a defining moment of the 2024 tour. Her performance showcased her growth as an artist, drawing praise for both technical skill and stage presence.

The group's innovative approach to live performances manifested in their tour preparation. Members actively participated in choreographing formations and concepts, demonstrating their artistic evolution. Their dedication to creating unique experiences led to what Hinata described as "different performances and experiences that fans have never seen before".

Remarkably, XG's impact extended beyond traditional performance metrics. At various venues, attendees were overheard expressing amazement, with comments like "who's that? They're incredible!" becoming commonplace. This organic audience response validated their growing influence in the global music scene.

The group's trilingual performances, simultaneously showcasing their linguistic versatility and artistic range, consistently drew attention for their "insane display of talent". Their ability to connect with diverse audiences through multiple languages strengthened their international appeal and contributed to their rising prominence in the industry.

Behind the Scenes

Behind the scenes, XG's meticulous approach to performance excellence reveals their unwavering dedication to their craft. Their rigorous training schedule and attention to detail have become hallmarks of their success.

Daily Practice Routine

Evidently, the group maintains an intensive daily schedule that encompasses multiple aspects of performance preparation. Their workout routines focus on both physical conditioning and artistic development. The practice sessions generally include:

Vocal warm-ups and technique refinement
Dance choreography perfection
Language practice in English, Korean, and Japanese
Physical fitness and stamina building
Mental preparation through meditation

Preparation Process

The group's commitment to excellence manifests through their thorough preparation process. Remarkably, their performance videos undergo extensive behind-the-scenes work, as demonstrated in their "HESONOO & X-GENE" preparation. Their professional approach includes meticulous planning of every performance element, from intricate ad-libs to strategic use of wind machines for enhanced visual impact.

Presently, their preparation involves continuous evaluation and refinement. The members occasionally spend countless hours perfecting single performances, demonstrating their dedication to delivering exceptional shows. For instance, one emotional highlight of their performances includes video footage showing younger versions of the members discussing their dreams and documenting their intense training journey.

Group Chemistry

The foundation of XG's success primarily lies in their strong interpersonal bonds. Their mutual respect and passion for the project create a unique dynamic that translates into their performances. This chemistry extends beyond the stage, as the members share a deep understanding that enhances their collaborative work.

Nevertheless, their professional relationship goes deeper than typical group dynamics. The members maintain a supportive environment where each individual's growth contributes to the collective success. Their shared experiences during training have fostered a special bond that strengthens their performances and daily interactions.

The group's behind-the-scenes dynamic reflects in their meticulous attention to performance details. From insane ad-libs that leave audiences in awe to carefully planned stage elements, every aspect of their shows undergoes thorough preparation. This level of dedication has become a defining characteristic of their artistic identity, setting them apart in the competitive music industry.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond the spotlight and stage performances, Cocona's personal life reveals a thoughtful and disciplined individual who maintains a balanced approach to both her professional and personal development.

Hobbies Outside Music

Fundamentally, Cocona's daily routine revolves around activities that nurture both her mind and artistic growth. Her most distinctive practice involves regular meditation sessions, where she contemplates her artistic journey and potential impact on others. This reflective habit has become an integral part of her daily schedule, helping her maintain focus and clarity in her demanding career.

Primarily, her interests extend to digital note-taking, with her iPad serving as an essential tool for organizing thoughts and ideas. Through this medium, she meticulously documents her:

Personal reflections on artistic growth
Daily observations and insights
Creative ideas and inspirations
Performance improvement notes

Besides her digital pursuits, Cocona possesses a notably calm and thoughtful demeanor, often described by fellow members as "like a little Buddha". This serene personality trait manifests in her approach to both personal and professional challenges, marking her as a stabilizing presence within the group.

Friendship with Maya

Certainly, one of the most significant aspects of Cocona's personal life is her enduring friendship with fellow XG member Maya. Their bond, which began in childhood, has markedly evolved alongside their professional journey. This long-standing connection has proven invaluable as they navigate the demands of their careers together.

The depth of their relationship extends beyond mere friendship, contributing to what the group describes as their "umbilical cord" connection - a profound bond that unites all seven members like sisters. This unique dynamic has fostered an environment where personal relationships strengthen professional collaborations.

Their shared experiences have created numerous memorable moments, particularly during their recent U.S. tour. Essentially, both Cocona and Maya found themselves fascinated by the distinctive fashion choices of their American audiences, noting the "colorful, more expressive, shiny, a little gaudy" style that set their U.S. performances apart from their Asian shows.

The friendship between Cocona and Maya exemplifies the group's broader philosophy of maintaining strong personal connections while pursuing professional excellence. Their relationship, rooted in shared childhood experiences, has ultimately evolved into a partnership that enhances both their personal growth and artistic development.

Through these various aspects of her personal life, Cocona maintains a balanced approach to her career, allowing her interests outside music to complement and enrich her professional journey. Her dedication to self-improvement through meditation and reflection, coupled with meaningful personal relationships, continues to shape her development as both an artist and an individual.

Future Goals and Aspirations

Looking toward the horizon, XG stands poised for unprecedented growth in the global music industry. The group's ambitious vision encompasses both immediate objectives and long-term aspirations that promise to reshape their artistic trajectory.

Musical Direction

Primarily focused on their upcoming world tour, XG aims to deliver groundbreaking performances that showcase their evolution as artists. The group's commitment to their hip-hop identity remains steadfast, with plans to create more rap-focused tracks that highlight their distinctive sound. Their musical journey continues to push boundaries, incorporating elements that emphasize what they call their "Xtraordinary XG sound".

Accordingly, the group's immediate focus centers on making their world tour a resounding success. Their primary objective involves reaching as many ALPHAZ (their dedicated fanbase) as possible, delivering their unique musical style across global stages. This expansion strategy reflects their dedication to creating a lasting impact in the international music scene.

Personal Growth Plans

Rather than resting on their current achievements, XG members actively pursue personal development through structured growth plans. Their approach to improvement encompasses several key areas:

Professional skill enhancement through continuous practice
Mental and emotional development via meditation
Physical conditioning for peak performance
Language proficiency advancement

The group's dedication to personal growth manifests through their willingness to experiment with new styles and expressions. Their fearless approach to trying innovative concepts, exemplified by their recent artistic choices, demonstrates their commitment to continuous evolution.

Dream Collaborations

Still maintaining their ambitious vision, XG harbors dreams of performing at the Super Bowl halftime show, a goal that serves as a constant source of motivation for all members. This aspiration reflects their determination to reach the pinnacle of global entertainment.

The group's collaboration wishlist includes several prominent artists who align with their musical style and vision:

Kehlani - A long-time inspiration for the group
Doja Cat - Admired for her innovative approach
TLC - Respected for their legendary status
Kiana Ledé - Appreciated for her artistic style

Furthermore, their collaborative aspirations extend beyond traditional music partnerships. The group envisions creating unique cultural crossovers that blend different artistic elements, thus expanding their creative horizons. Their recent collaboration with Rico Nasty for the "Shooting Star" remix marked a significant step toward realizing these ambitions.

Ultimately, XG's future direction emphasizes their commitment to authenticity and artistic growth. Through their music, they aim to deliver messages of confidence, love, and enjoyment, encouraging their audience to embrace life fully. Their dedication to creating impactful performances and meaningful connections with fans worldwide continues to drive their artistic journey forward.

The group's evolution shows no signs of slowing down, with members consistently challenging themselves to explore new territories in music and performance. Their commitment to growth, both individually and collectively, positions them uniquely in the industry, promising exciting developments in the years ahead.

Finally, their approach to future projects reflects a deep understanding of their artistic identity. By maintaining their hip-hop roots while embracing innovation, XG continues to chart a course that balances tradition with progression. This strategic direction, coupled with their unwavering dedication to excellence, sets the stage for their continued ascent in the global music landscape.

FAQs

Q1. What is Cocona's background and role in XG? Cocona, born Akiyama Kokona, is the youngest member and main rapper of XG. She was born on December 6, 2005, in Kanto, Japan, and underwent five years of training at AVEX Artist Academy before debuting with XG in 2022.

Q2. How did Cocona's musical journey begin? Cocona's musical journey began in her childhood, influenced by her music-loving parents. She won the Kira Challe audition in 2018, showcasing her singing abilities. Her early influences include artists like Lauryn Hill and Tyler The Creator.

Q3. What languages does Cocona speak? Cocona is trilingual, fluent in Japanese, Korean, and English. This linguistic versatility is showcased in her performances, particularly in her viral trilingual rap that gained millions of views on TikTok.

Q4. What are some of XG's notable achievements? XG has gained international recognition with their first world tour, "THE FIRST HOWL TOUR," spanning Asia, the U.S., and Europe. They've also secured a spot at Coachella 2025, marking a significant milestone in their career.

Q5. How does Cocona maintain her artistic growth? Cocona maintains a disciplined approach to her artistic development. She practices daily meditation, engages in digital note-taking for self-reflection, and participates in rigorous training routines with XG. Her commitment to personal growth complements her professional development as an artist.