Japanese pop group XG went from brutal five year training to global pop stars

Japanese pop group XG went from brutal five year training to global pop starsImage source, XGALXImage caption, XG's hits include Hypnotise, Mascara and Left RightByMark SavageMusic correspondentPublished20 June 2026Every night, before they take the stage, the seven members of pop group XG form a circle and join hands. Band leader Jurin shouts "Hesono", and the other members reply with a loud shout of "Oh", flinging their arms towards the sky.They're not the only band to have pre-show ritual – but there's a special message behind XG's chant.Hesono-o (or, more accurately へその緒) is the Japanese word for umbilical cord. It can symbolise someone's fate or destiny from birth. For XG, the phrase represents the intensity of their bond."We're so strongly connected, we're always thinking the same things," says Chisa, the group's oldest member."In our early days, I actually had a dream we were connected by an umbilical cord, like a mother and child."So I threw that out as an idea for our identity. People said, 'That's so new and interesting', and that's how the concept of Hesono-o was born."Image source, PA MediaImage caption, The group received a rapturous response at London's Summertime Ball earlier this monthXG talk to the BBC the morning after a triumphant (if rain-soaked) debut at Capital's Summertime Ball, external in Wembley Stadium.All seven members - Maya, Juria, Hinata, Harvey, Cocona, Chisa and Jurin - are dressed in vibrant neon outfits that erupt with tufts of faux fur and intricate belt buckles. Cocona sports a necklace that reads "rock star". Harvey has so many bangles that she rattles as she walks.Everyone has their own individual spin, but they move as one - and their camaraderie is conspicuous. Answering questions, they confer in a huddle before appointing a spokesperson. It's a connection forged more than 10 years ago, when som...