XG member Cocona has publicly come out as transmasculine non-binary, posting a personal statement on Instagram on December 6th to mark their 20th birthday. In the letter, shared in both Japanese and English, they confirmed that they underwent top surgery earlier this year and spoke openly about a long process of self-acceptance.
“I am AFAB transmasculine non-binary”, Cocona wrote. “Earlier this year, I had top surgery. I was born and perceived as female, but that label never represented who I truly am. I live in a way that feels more masculine and true to who I am”. The post also included a recent photoshoot showing their chest scars.
Cocona described the difficulty of recognising their own identity and said that learning to accept themselves changed how they understood the world. They credited their XG groupmates, producer JAKOPS (SIMON), and their parents for supporting them through that process.
In Japan, legal gender recognition has long been tied to strict medical conditions under the Gender Identity Disorder Special Cases Act, including compulsory sterilisation and requirements around genital appearance. In 2023, the Supreme Court ruled the sterilisation requirement unconstitutional, and in September 2025 the Sapporo Family Court found that forcing trans people to alter the appearance of their genitals, even through hormone treatment, also violates constitutional protections. Lawmakers have yet to fully rewrite the statute, but the courts are steadily dismantling the most invasive parts of the system.
Following Cocona’s post, XG’s executive producer JAKOPS (SIMON) shared a message of support on his own Instagram account along with a photo taken earlier this year. He wrote that he felt deep respect for Cocona’s decision to speak publicly and emphasised that his role is to support each member both as an artist and as a person. He noted that the group has now reached adulthood and reflected on the values at the centre of XG and XGALX.
Cocona closed their statement by thanking those who have supported them so far and said they look forward to continuing their work with XG and XGALX. “May these words gently light a spark in someone’s heart”, they wrote. “And to everyone who needs it — may my love reach all of them”.
XG, who debuted in 2022, have built a strong international following across Japan, South Korea, the UK, and the US. Cocona’s announcement is a rare and highly visible moment of transmasculine and non-binary representation within a major Asian pop group, drawing significant attention to the subject among Japanese and international audiences.
Cocona full statement:
“Hi, this is Cocona. 🐉
Today, I turned 20.☺︎
As I reach this new chapter in my life, I want to share something that’s been in my heart for a long time.
I am AFAB transmasculine non-binary.
Earlier this year, I had top surgery.
I was born and perceived as female, but that label never represented who I truly am. I live in a way that feels more masculine and true to who I am.
The hardest thing I’ve ever faced was accepting and embracing myself.
But as I slowly began to do that, I was able to open a new door.
That moment changed the way I see and understand the world,
and it gave me the courage and strength to grow.
Now, I can finally say, “There’s nothing wrong with who I am inside.”
I was only able to come this far because of the people who listened and stood by me —
my members, Simon-san, and my parents. 🫶
I’m truly grateful for this path,
and for every miracle that brought us together.
This message turned out a bit long, but I just want to say thank you — for walking beside me and for supporting me all this way.
I’m so excited for the future we’ll continue to create together with XG and XGALX. 🌏🌎🌍👽♾️
May these words gently light a spark in someone’s heart.
And to everyone who needs it — may my love reach all of them.
With love, always. 🤍”
JAKOPS (SIMON) Comment:
Hello, this is SIMON.
Today, as Cocona courageously shared their truth with the world, I am filled with heartfelt emotion and deep respect.
I will continue to offer sincere support so that each member is not only respected as an “active artist” but also as a human being, able to love their own life.
Of course, I take pride in XG’s brilliant music and visuals, but more than anything, what I truly want to share with the world is the members’ pure and essential hearts.
That true energy, love, and growth as human beings are the very core of XG and XGALX. Like the chip at the heart of a semiconductor, it may be invisible from the outside, but it is the core that drives everything.
Moving forward, I will continue to protect this CORE, resonate with the members’ inner “frequencies”, and do my utmost to ensure that their harmony spreads warmly across the world.
And now, eight years have passed since I met XG, and as of today, every member has reached adulthood.
To mark this milestone, I would like to share a commemorative photo taken on this year’s Coming-of-Age Day.
May the courage, love, and journey of growth of all the members bring inspiration and hope to many.
With deep respect and love,
SIMON (JAKOPS)”
