Are you ready for an Xtraordinary summer? The seven members of sensational Japanese girl group XG (Xtraordinary Girls)—JURIN, CHISA, HINATA, HARVEY, JURIA, MAYA and COCONA—grace the cover of our June “Summer Waves” issue, head to toe in Balenciaga’s latest designs. Having debuted in 2022, XG has redefined boundaries in hip-hop and R&B, inspiring a new generation through their bold music and performances. Now, three years later, the group has reached a major milestone: completing their first world tour, “The first HOWL”, and performing on the iconic stage of Coachella in the United States.
Our seven cover stars from XG share a fearless mindset: always pushing boundaries, embracing new challenges, and exploring endless possibilities. When we think of XG, what comes to mind first? Is it their bold and futuristic looks, or their distinct personalities? Everyone might have a different answer, and that’s exactly what defines XG—they refuse to be confined by any one style. Staying true to themselves, these talented women continue to inspire their global fan base, the ALPHAZ, with music and performances that transcend genres and borders.
From left: on MAYA: jacket and dress, all Balenciaga. On HINATA: jacket and skirt, all Balenciaga. On JURIA: jacket and boots, all Balenciaga. On JURIN: jacket and skirt, all Balenciaga. On CHISA: dress and boots, all Balenciaga. On COCONA: shirt and pants, all Balenciaga. On HARVEY: jacket and skirt, all Balenciaga
What has been the most unforgettable moment in your career so far?
JURIN: Every moment has been incredibly special and unforgettable to me, but if I had to pick the most memorable one recently, it would be the final show of The First HOWL tour at Tokyo Dome. This was the culmination of a year-long tour, and the Tokyo Dome show gathered 50,000 ALPHAZ—our largest audience ever for a single concert. Looking out from the stage, the ALPHAZ felt like a sparkling galaxy of stars. It’s a moment I’ll never forget. That was the moment I truly felt like everything I’ve worked so hard for was worth it. I hope we can see that view again in the future and create even more amazing “cosmic moments” with ALPHAZ. I’ll keep working hard to make that happen!
CHISA: Every moment feels like the best “cosmic space” to me, but the most unforgettable one has to be the final Tokyo Dome show of our first world tour! It wasn’t just that it was the latest show—it was also the largest audience we’ve ever performed for. It truly became the most incredible moment. In the future, I hope to create even more unforgettable experiences with ALPHAZ.
HINATA: Definitely Tokyo Dome. Along the way, we’ve had so many unbelievable experiences, but as the final stop of a year-long world tour, Tokyo Dome was the perfect, most wonderful stage! We’ve come this far thanks to the support of so many ALPHAZ and the help of everyone around us, and I feel so full of gratitude.
HARVEY: There are so many wonderful memories! But during this world tour, every single moment of laughing, singing, and dancing with ALPHAZ has been unforgettable for me. Each show had its own special moments, so it’s really hard to choose just one. Whenever I think back to the performances, I can vividly picture the ALPHAZ’s happy faces and radiant smiles. Being able to create a lifetime of memories with my members and ALPHAZ fills me with so much happiness.
JURIA: It has to be the Tokyo Dome concert I’ve always dreamed about! To have the final stop of our first-ever world tour on that stage felt like something I could only dream of. I never imagined one day I’d be performing there to mark the end of a world tour. Every single performance on the tour was meaningful and precious, like treasures to me. Meeting ALPHAZ from all over the world has brought me so much happiness!
MAYA: Every single moment and experience since our debut has been incredibly special to us. But if I had to choose the most unforgettable one, it would be the day we performed at Tokyo Dome. Standing on that stage was one of our biggest dreams, and to hold the final show of our world tour there was deeply meaningful. Seeing the venue filled with so many ALPHAZ is something I’ll remember forever.
COCONA: The view from Tokyo Dome was so breathtaking that it’s etched in my heart and something I think about every day. It was the stage I had always dreamed of, and being able to connect with so many ALPHAZ there made me so happy—it was the happiest moment of my life. That sight will always be priceless to me.
Each member of XG has their own unique personality. How do you maintain your chemistry as a team?
JURIN: I put a lot of emphasis on communication. No matter how long you’ve known someone, if you don’t communicate well, it can make it harder to understand each other and collaborate. We work hard to communicate frequently, even about the smallest things, and we all keep that in mind constantly.
CHISA: We’ve known each other for 7 to 8 years now, but we still prioritise mutual understanding and empathy. Communication is key! As we’ve gained more experience, I can really feel that our bond has only grown stronger. I think that’s because we’ve had so many opportunities to understand each other better, which has deepened our love and connection as a group.
HINATA: Communication is the most important thing for us. We used to have a weekly “cosmic meeting,” but lately, because everyone is so busy, it’s harder to schedule. So, we focus even more on day-to-day communication! Since we all have different personalities, respecting each other is also essential for moving forward as a team.
HARVEY: Each of us has a strong personality, with different interests and goals, but because we’ve spent so much time together, we’ve developed a deep understanding of each other. That’s how we’re able to come together as one when we’re creating or working hard towards something. It’s all thanks to the love and bond we’ve built over time. We cherish this connection and want to keep strengthening it—it’s one of XG’s biggest strengths!
JURIA: Continuous communication is something we value a lot. By constantly discussing things—whether it’s areas we need to improve or small points of reflection—we’ve been able to maintain such a strong bond and teamwork. We’re always closely connected, like we’re all part of the same “HESONOO.”
MAYA: I think communication is the key to our solid teamwork. Whenever we feel there’s something we need to discuss, no matter how busy we are, we make time to have those conversations.
COCONA: We’re very focused on honest communication and mutual respect! Most of the time, we share similar ideas and opinions when it comes to XG, but everyone also has their own clear perspective. We discuss things, exchange opinions, and make decisions together. Since our schedules have gotten busier, we’ve also worked on finding better ways to communicate. If issues arise, we try to address them immediately instead of letting them linger. I think discussing things early on is really important!
Jacket, top, skirt, necklace and boots, all Gucci.
Y3K, retro-inspired, and bold fashion styles have become defining features of XG. How do you feel about this, and will you explore other styles in the future?
JURIN: I love Y3K, vintage, and bold styles, so being described that way makes me really happy. XG enjoys experimenting with fashion that isn’t bound by any specific type or framework. In the future, we’d love to challenge ourselves with even more styles. Personally, I’ve been drawn to modern silhouettes lately, so I’d like to incorporate some sleek and contemporary elements into our signature bold and colourful looks.
CHISA: I’m so grateful to be described that way! I love choosing what to wear based on my mood, and in the future, I want to explore all kinds of styles without limiting myself. Just like music, I think fashion is a way to express yourself, and I hope to discover more pieces that let me shine!
HINATA: This is a style we all really love! As a team, we enjoy trying out a variety of looks, so XG doesn’t stick to just one style. We want to keep challenging ourselves with new and exciting fashion.
HARVEY: I absolutely adore Y2K and vintage styles, as well as rock-inspired and spicy “it-girl” looks. We love blending these different aesthetics to show off our unique personalities. I’m so happy to hear that people recognize and appreciate our style. Moving forward, we’ll keep boldly experimenting with different looks and continue creating something uniquely ours.
JURIA: Thank you! I want to stay confident and fearless when it comes to trying new styles and combinations, without being restricted by any set rules. Discovering and pursuing new sides of myself through fashion is such an exciting journey.
MAYA: I draw so much inspiration from different styles, and Y3K and vintage are definitely among them! There are so many styles I want to try—it’s hard to pick just one. Since there’s no right or wrong in fashion, I’m excited to keep exploring and experimenting with even more looks!
COCONA: We don’t want to box ourselves into one label or be defined by a single “XG style.” Just like our name, XG, we aim to break boundaries and challenge new concepts, styles, and possibilities. We’re open to everything and want to try it all!
Your song In the Rain showcases a more elegant and mature side of XG. Did you face any challenges during the production process?
JURIN: In the Rain is XG’s first time diving into a pure R&B track. The most challenging part for me was my second verse because the mood shifts significantly from the first verse, making the R&B vibe even stronger. Capturing that atmosphere with my vocal runs and phrasing was a real challenge. I’ve loved R&B since before our debut and have sung many R&B songs, but interpreting it through our own music felt completely different. I worked really hard to get the details just right—I wanted to do justice to true R&B.
CHISA: This is a classic R&B song that we love, and compared to pop songs, it required us to focus more on infusing emotion into our vocals. One of the biggest challenges was performing with the umbrella props. We practiced a lot to ensure they wouldn’t slip out of our hands while performing intricate choreography!
HINATA: Performing with umbrellas was definitely a first for us, and it was really tricky—not just controlling our own movements but also making sure the umbrellas stayed in sync. It was difficult, but the umbrella routine added a fresh, cool element to the performance, and I’m glad we took on the challenge!
HARVEY: We finally achieved what we’ve been wanting to do for so long—a pure R&B piece. This is one of my personal favourites! The umbrella choreography enhances the song’s charm visually while complementing the lyrics. During recording, we focused on expressing a mix of sadness and understated strength, which really brings out the essence of In the Rain. It’s a song that captures the beauty of R&B both sonically and visually. I hope everyone enjoys this side of XG!
JURIA: Since we love the R&B genre so much, we spent a lot of time researching and practising to perfect the tone and texture of our vocals before recording. Hearing everyone’s voices together after recording was such a moving experience—it felt like we’d unlocked a new version of XG that’s fresh, sophisticated, and exciting.
MAYA: One of the most challenging aspects of performing In the Rain was definitely the umbrellas. Controlling them and incorporating toss-and-catch movements into the choreography was both fun and difficult. But the umbrellas really brought the song and performance to life.
COCONA: In the Rain carries a blend of sadness, resilience, and vulnerability. The song has so many layers of meaning, and expressing that ambiguous, emotional tone was quite demanding. I’ve always believed that understated, elegant performances are the hardest to pull off, and this song really reinforced that for me—it was a tough but rewarding challenge.
Your song Million Places was inspired by your world tour. Were there any particularly moving or unforgettable moments during the tour? How do you feel looking back on your journey from debut to performing at Tokyo Dome?
JURIN: Experiencing firsthand how music can transcend borders and distances has been an invaluable lesson, not just for XG’s career but also for us as individuals. Seeing our music reach faraway places and watching ALPHAZ smile or even cry with emotion reminds us that all our hard work has been worth it. Those moments have become the driving force that pushes us to aim even higher.
CHISA: Throughout the tour, ALPHAZ showed so much joy and emotion—it was so touching to see from the stage. Whether they were singing along or hyping up the atmosphere, they were fully immersed in the moment, and that made me incredibly happy. I feel like we’ve grown so much from the start of the tour to the end. Standing on a stage like Tokyo Dome felt like a dream come true, and I’m even more grateful for all the ALPHAZ who’ve supported us along the way.
HINATA: ALPHAZ from all over the world welcomed us with such warmth, and it really touched me. Even in countries we’d never been to before, their energy and passion made us feel so connected, and it was amazing to see how our music reached them. Over the past three years, we’ve experienced so much—both highs and challenges—but standing on a dream stage like Tokyo Dome and seeing it filled with fans made me realise that believing in ourselves and never giving up was worth it.
HARVEY: Every single moment from the tour is an irreplaceable and precious memory to me. This world tour was such a special experience because we got to connect with so many ALPHAZ in person, sharing the same space, enjoying music together, and spreading love and happiness. Visiting so many places for the first time and experiencing new things with the members deepened our bond even more. Completing this dream we’ve had for so long—our first world tour—and ending it at Tokyo Dome felt surreal. I want to carry these beautiful memories forward as motivation for the future and continue walking this path with everyone.
JURIA: Every view I saw during the world tour was like a treasure to me. I feel so grateful to have experienced something like this in my life! One thing that left a deep impression on me was hearing all the ALPHAZ howl together before encore songs—it was so energetic and powerful, and it gave us goosebumps. Wrapping up The First HOWL at the Tokyo Dome was only possible thanks to our amazing staff and, of course, our ALPHAZ. I’m so thankful for everyone who supported us.
MAYA: Everything still feels so unreal. This tour brought so many life-changing moments. Each one was so special and beautiful. I’m constantly amazed by how music can bring so many people together, and I hold a deep respect for the power of music. Seeing ALPHAZ dancing, singing, and enjoying the moment with us during the tour is something I’ll never forget. Ending it all at Tokyo Dome, one of our dream venues, was indescribably moving. That day will stay with me forever.
COCONA: Honestly, every single moment was a beautiful memory. Each place we visited had its own unique charm, and it was so fun to see how the energy from ALPHAZ changed depending on the country or venue. While every moment was precious, the view from the Tokyo Dome stage stands out the most to me. It’s hard to put that sight into words. Being able to share that time with ALPHAZ made me feel so lucky and happy.
How did you celebrate after wrapping up The First HOWL tour?
JURIN: We held a celebration party with the members and all the staff who ran alongside us over the past year! It was such a great opportunity to officially say, “Thank you for all your hard work,” and share our gratitude. Being able to chat with everyone and reflect on the tour made me so happy. Our staff gave their all to make this tour and our performances possible, and we’re so thankful for their support.
CHISA: We hosted a “You’ve worked so hard this year!” gathering! So many people participated in and supported our tour, and it was meaningful to personally express our gratitude to them. We also talked about our dreams for the future, which made the time together even more special. I’m truly filled with gratitude.
HINATA: We organized a celebration with the members, staff, and everyone involved in the tour! We presented flowers and shared heartfelt thanks for all the effort that went into making this tour a success. It was such a warm and wonderful gathering, and I felt so happy to complete the tour surrounded by people who love XG.
HARVEY: After the Tokyo Dome show, all the members, Simon, and the staff who worked on the tour came together for a celebration! It was a chance to share our love and gratitude with everyone. Many of the staff were working with us for the first time, and their passion and support made this tour possible. Even though the party wasn’t long, celebrating together made the 47 shows we performed feel even more irreplaceable and special. Being able to laugh and finish this journey as the seven of us is something I’ll never take for granted. I’m so grateful to all the staff, Simon, my fellow members, and, most importantly, ALPHAZ, who always surround us with love and energy. We’ll keep evolving and hope to create an even more amazing world tour in the future!
JURIA: We hosted a celebration party with the staff, Simon, and all the members who supported us throughout the world tour! We shared so many memories from the tour and expressed our sincere gratitude to everyone. The gathering was so warm and touching—it left a deep impression on me.
MAYA: We got together with all the incredible staff who worked on our world tour. It was such a positive and uplifting night.
COCONA: We held a celebration with the amazing team that made this world tour possible! After that event, it really hit me that our first world tour had officially come to an end. It was such a fulfilling feeling—a moment of pride and accomplishment.
Do you have a message for your fans in Hong Kong?
JURIN: To all the ALPHAZ in Hong Kong, I miss you so, so much! When The First HOWL came to Hong Kong last year, the passion and energy from ALPHAZ left such a deep impression on me, and I’ll never forget it. The next time we meet, we’ll bring an even more evolved and transformed XG to you, so please look forward to that day!
CHISA: Thank you so much for your constant support and the love you’ve always shown us. It gives us so much strength! I can’t wait to see you all in Hong Kong again soon. Love you so much!
HINATA: To Hong Kong ALPHAZ—thank you for all your love and support! I miss the times we spent together so much. I promise we’ll come back to Hong Kong, so please wait for us. Love you all so much!
HARVEY: To our Hong Kong ALPHAZ, thank you for always giving us endless support and warm love! The time we spent together during the world tour still shines so brightly in my heart. We’ll keep working hard to bring you more opportunities to see us in person, so please wait for us! I hope we can spend more cosmic, unforgettable moments together soon. I can’t wait to see you all again. Love you all so much from the bottom of my heart!
JURIA: To our Hong Kong ALPHAZ, thank you so much for always supporting and loving us! I’ve always dreamed of performing in Hong Kong again, and I can’t wait to see you all soon. Love you all!
MAYA: To our ALPHAZ in Hong Kong, we miss you so much. When we came to Hong Kong during the world tour last year, it became such a special memory. I can’t wait to go back! Thank you for your endless love and support—we love you so much and can’t wait to create even more beautiful memories together.
COCONA: Our performance in Hong Kong was such a precious memory for us! Meeting the ALPHAZ there made us so happy. We’ll work hard to come back again, so please look forward to it. Love you all so much!
What do you think has been XG’s greatest growth since your debut?
JURIN: From pre-debut to now, we’ve worked together to overcome so many challenges. Because of that, I feel like our bond gets stronger every single day. Achieving our dreams wouldn’t be possible without the members and everyone’s support—it’s what gives me courage and confidence. Moving forward, I want to continue growing and deepening our connection as a team.
CHISA: From our world tour to Coachella to all the magazine shoots and experiences over the past year, I feel like I’ve grown so much in terms of flexibility and focus. Facing different stages and challenges has helped me realize just how much I’ve gained from these experiences.
HINATA: Over the past three years, we’ve experienced so many things, learned a lot, and gained a ton of skills. I also feel like I’ve developed a stronger sense of responsibility and learned how to truly love myself.
HARVEY: I’ve grown so much from seeing so many places, gaining new experiences, and overcoming challenges. One of the biggest areas of growth for me has been learning to enjoy every moment, no matter what I’m facing. Even when I feel uneasy or worried, I approach things with a mindset of appreciation, and that’s made all the difference. I’m so grateful to everyone who has supported me and helped me grow.
JURIA: Since debut, XG has gone through so much, and we’ve grown and evolved as a group. The bond we’ve built, which started during our trainee days, has only gotten stronger. Now, we can understand each other’s feelings with just a glance. I’m also so thankful for ALPHAZ—you’ve given me confidence and made me feel so loved. Thank you, always. I love you all!
MAYA: We’ve grown so much, both as individuals and as a group, since our debut. Whether it’s adapting to different situations or improving our teamwork, every experience has brought us closer together. I’m so excited for what’s next and can’t wait to keep moving forward with my members.
COCONA: I think our greatest growth has been in how we handle things in the moment. Compared to our trainee days, we’ve gained so much experience—whether it’s on stage, at photoshoots, or in interviews. Our ability to adapt has improved so much, and I believe this will continue to help us grow in the future.
XG completed your first world tour and performed at Coachella in the first half of 2025. What are your plans for the second half of the year?
JURIN: We’re preparing for the next chapter of XG. After completing our first world tour, I feel like this is the perfect time for us to level up and evolve. We’ll keep working hard to bring more surprises, love, and energy to ALPHAZ in the future!
CHISA: In the second half of the year, we’ll be entering a production period to prepare for our next comeback! We’re diving deep into music creation and working hard to show you an even more evolved version of XG. Please look forward to it!
HINATA: After an exciting first half of the year filled with performances, we’re now heading into a production phase. We’re preparing new music, so please stay tuned!
HARVEY: Our goal is to keep moving forward without letting up, constantly evolving to meet and exceed everyone’s expectations. We’re working hard to prepare for what’s next, so please be patient and look forward to our comeback!
JURIA: With everything we experienced in the first half of the year and all the love and inspiration we received from ALPHAZ, we’re ready to move into the next chapter. We’ll continue creating new music and sharing it with people all over the world.
MAYA: Wrapping up our first world tour made me realise that a new chapter is unfolding for us. This is just the beginning, and everyone is so excited for what’s to come! Right now, we’re focused on creating new music, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!
COCONA: We’re about to start preparing for the next era of XG! This is always such an exciting time because working on new projects and music is so motivating. Please look forward to our comeback!
What are your long-term goals for XG?
JURIN: I have so many dreams and goals I want to achieve. Of course, we have specific plans, but lately, I’ve realised that what excites me the most is the unknown—that XG’s future is full of endless possibilities. As long as we’re together, our potential is limitless—I believe we can even reach the stars! So I’ll continue to give my all with that Xtraordinary spirit.
CHISA: XG’s journey has only just begun, and there are so many goals and dreams we want to reach! Our aim is to keep pursuing the music and performances we want to create, breaking boundaries, and connecting deeply with ALPHAZ. Also, I hope the bond between the seven of us continues to grow stronger and that we can still laugh together when we’re grandmas.
HINATA: We’ll keep challenging ourselves without limits and use our music to spread courage and love around the world. No matter how many years pass, I hope the seven of us will still be laughing and walking this journey together.
HARVEY: There’s so much I want to achieve—things I want to try, goals I want to meet, and dreams I want to fulfill. I want to live my one and only life without regrets, not only achieving my personal dreams but also ensuring that all seven of us in XG achieve our dreams together. My ultimate goal is to grow old with my members and still be laughing happily together.
JURIA: We have so many dreams and goals, and this is just the beginning! Honestly, I even want to be part of history books someday—to perform on the moon and become artists who leave a lasting legacy.
MAYA: There’s so much we want to accomplish. Like we always say, this is only the start of a new chapter. Everything happens for a reason, and I believe there’s nothing we can’t achieve if we keep believing in ourselves!
COCONA: As XG, we still have so many goals to achieve! Thinking about how far we can go in the future makes me both excited and a little nervous. Everyone in XG and on our team is so determined to make our dreams come true, so I know we’ll achieve them all. I hope that when we’re old, we’ll be able to look back and proudly say, “This was the best life ever!” That’s our vision for XG.
Photography: Oscar Chik
Creative and Fashion Direction: Cherry Mui
Styling: Foxla Chiu
Casting Director: Second Li
Makeup Artists: SuYeon Jung & SinYeong Kim
Hair Stylist: SooJung Park
Photography Assistants: Gloria Tang, Yoshiki Takamatsu, Yinglu Guo & Ryosuke Takahashi
Fashion Assistant: Priscilla Ng
Creative Producer: Marina Fairfax
OnSet Producers: Justin Xu & Simona Yang
Props Design: HanYi Cheng
Editor
Vogue Hong Kong
