XG Make Their Japanese Media Debut with ‘THE FIRST TAKE’

This one-take rendition of their “Shooting Star” on THE FIRST TAKE highlights an intense rap part and gorgeous harmony in the choruses. It marks XG’s debut presentation in Japanese media.

“We want to be remembered as a ‘one and only’ group,” XG said in our interview with them. Since their inception, their efforts have been focused on achieving this goal through engrossing music and an approach that continually tests limits to shatter stereotypes and suppositions, instill new perspectives, and emphasize the need for concentrating on the essentials in life—pursuing dreams and having the will to realize them.

With their distinctive acts, the Japanese girl group from South Korea that sings in English is making major strides toward popularity. They are resolutely assuming their spot as a significant global hip-hop/R&B group, befitting the acronym XG, which stands for “Extraordinary Girls.” Though schooled in the K-pop paradigm, they are unconstrained and exploring uncharted territory in music by fusing the message and emotions they want to share with something fresh.

As the inaugural artists to sign with global entertainment production company XGALX, dedicated to cultivating cultural power with a unique perspective worldwide, the seven members of the collective—Jurin, Chisa, Hinata, Harvey, Juria, Maya, and Cocona—made their debut. Launched in March 2022, “Tippy Toes” was XG’s maiden single. Their first mini album, New DNA, dropped in September 2023, and their most recent, “Winter Without You,” was released in December 2023.

Their rap, vocals, dancing, and other musical manifestations, together with their simultaneous accomplishments, are contributing to their growing appeal on a global scale. The septet recently made its media debut in Japan via THE FIRST TAKE. There, XG presented their song “Shooting Star” in a unique one-take that accentuated the tune in its harmonious chorus sections and potent rap verses.

THE FIRST TAKE, is a wildly popular YouTube channel that has featured icons of music like Avril Lavigne and Harry Styles. It also has to its credit DISH (Takumi Kitamura)’s “Neko,” with over 200 million views, LiSA and Uru’s “Saikai,” and Milet, Aimer, and Ikuta Lila’s “Omokage,” together surpassing 100 million views, supplying to the channel’s repute. “At first, I was really nervous,” Juria said of their performance on the platform this time. “But when I actually sang, it was so much fun, and it was a very enjoyable time,” she revealed. “In this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I think we were able to consciously feel each member with our whole being and become one,” added Harvey.

Its 388th episode included XG expressing their sincere intent to become global artists through this special rendition of “Shooting Star.” This came in the aftermath of their 2022 debut, since which they have been involved in international events and creating waves outside of Japan, including Head in the Clouds New York in May, Head in the Clouds Los Angeles in August, KCON LA 2023 in August, Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2023 in September, and SXSW Sydney in November.