Brief Introduction of Cocona
Akiyama Kokona, professionally known as Cocona, is a Japanese rapper, singer, and dancer who has rapidly risen to international fame as a member of the girl group XG. Based in South Korea, XG (short for Xtraordinary Girls) is celebrated for its hip-hop and R&B-infused music and powerful performances. Cocona stands out as the group’s main rapper and youngest member, captivating audiences with her sharp, multilingual rapping skills in Japanese, Korean, and English. Beyond her musical talents, Cocona has also become a significant figure for her advocacy and personal courage. On her 20th birthday, she publicly shared her identity as transmasculine non-binary, a revelation that has been widely supported and praised for bringing visibility and inspiration to many. Her journey is not just one of a rising star in the music industry but also of self-discovery and authenticity.
Cocona Overview
| Full Name | Akiyama Kokona |
| Date of Birth | December 6, 2005 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 20 |
| Birthplace | Kanto, Japan |
| Profession | Rapper, Singer, Dancer |
| Husband/Wife | Not applicable |
| Family | Parents (names not publicly disclosed) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Not publicly available |
| Net Worth | Information not publicly available |
Early Life and Education of Cocona
Cocona, born Akiyama Kokona on December 6, 2005, hails from the Kanto region of Japan. From a young age, Cocona demonstrated a strong inclination towards music and performance. This passion led to early training and participation in talent discovery platforms. A significant part of Cocona’s formative years was spent as a student at the renowned AVEX Artist Academy, an institution known for cultivating top-tier talent in the Japanese entertainment industry. During this time, they were also a member of the academy’s project group, A-CE, where they honed their skills in singing, dancing, and rapping. Cocona’s burgeoning talent was recognized in 2017 at the “Kira Challe 2017” audition hosted by Avex, where they received a special prize in the vocal category for a performance of BIGBANG’s “Haru Haru”. The following year, in 2018, Cocona won the singing category at the Kira Challe audition, further solidifying their potential as a future star. These early achievements were pivotal in paving the way for a professional career in music. It’s also noted that Cocona and fellow XG member Maya have been friends since childhood.
Cocona’s Career
Cocona’s professional career officially launched with the global girl group XG, formed by XGALX, a subsidiary of the Japanese entertainment conglomerate Avex. The group, consisting of seven members, began their journey with a unique global concept, releasing music entirely in English to appeal to a worldwide audience. Cocona was officially revealed as the third member of XG on January 31, 2022. The group made their highly anticipated debut on March 18, 2022, with the digital single “Tippy Toes,” a track that immediately showcased their distinct hip-hop and R&B sound. Cocona quickly garnered attention as the group’s main rapper, with a commanding stage presence and a powerful, low-toned delivery. Following their debut, XG released their second single, “Mascara,” on June 29, 2022, and made their first broadcast television appearance on South Korea’s Mnet M Countdown, expanding their presence in the competitive K-pop landscape. A significant viral moment for Cocona and the group came in November 2022 with the release of the rap cypher video “Galz Xypher.” Cocona’s trilingual rapping in the video received widespread acclaim and drew praise from prominent international artists. The video’s success on platforms like TikTok significantly boosted their global recognition. XG’s momentum continued with releases like “Shooting Star” and their first EP, “New DNA,” in 2023. In 2024, the group collaborated with Riot Games for the track “Undefeated” for the game Valorant and released the single “Woke Up.” They also embarked on their first world tour, “The First Howl,” performing in numerous cities across Asia, North America, and Europe. Their second EP, “Awe,” was released in late 2024, achieving a milestone by entering the US Billboard 200 chart. XG is also slated to be the only Japanese artist to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April 2025.
Cocona Personal Life & Family
Cocona’s personal life took a significant and public turn on December 6, 2025, their 20th birthday. In a heartfelt social media post, Cocona came out as transmasculine and non-binary. They shared that they were assigned female at birth (AFAB) but had never identified with that label, feeling more aligned with a masculine identity. In the same announcement, Cocona revealed that they had undergone top surgery (chest masculinization) earlier in the year. This courageous revelation was met with an outpouring of support from fans, the public, and the music industry. Cocona expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering support of their parents, fellow XG members, and the group’s executive producer, Simon Jakops. Jakops publicly commended Cocona’s courage and reiterated the agency’s commitment to supporting each member’s authentic self. Cocona’s coming out is considered a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ representation within the global music scene, particularly in the context of Japanese and South Korean pop culture. They shared that the most challenging part of their journey was self-acceptance, and by embracing their true self, they opened a new door to understanding the world and found the strength to grow. Regarding family, while Cocona has mentioned their parents’ support, further details about their family life are not publicly available. As for romantic relationships, there is no public information on Cocona’s girlfriend/boyfriend or dating history.
Awards and Achievements of Cocona
While most of Cocona’s awards and achievements are as part of the group XG, their individual pre-debut accomplishments are noteworthy.
- Received a special prize in the vocal category at the Avex-hosted “Kirachare 2017” audition.
- Winner of the singing category at the 2018 Kira Challe audition.
As a member of XG, Cocona has been part of several historic achievements:
- Became the first Japanese artists to rank No. 1 on the Billboard “Hot Trending Songs Powered by Twitter” chart.
- First Japanese girl group to be on the cover of the U.S. Billboard magazine.
- Entered the Mediabase US Radio Top 40, a first for a Japanese girl group.
- Achieved a debut on the Billboard 200 albums chart with their second EP, “AWE”.
Cocona Net Worth and Income
Information regarding Cocona’s net worth and personal income is not publicly available as of 2025. Their primary sources of income are derived from their activities as a member of XG. This includes music sales and streaming royalties, concert tours and live performances, merchandise sales, and brand endorsement deals. As XG’s popularity continues to grow globally, it is expected that Cocona’s net worth will increase accordingly.
Legacy and Influence
Despite a relatively young career, Cocona is already building a powerful legacy that extends beyond music. As the main rapper of XG, their dynamic performance style and trilingual versatility have set a high bar and contributed to the group’s unique identity in the global music market. Their influence is particularly strong among a new generation of music fans who are drawn to XG’s message of empowerment and boundary-pushing artistry. However, Cocona’s most profound influence may lie in their courageous decision to publicly share their gender identity. By coming out as transmasculine non-binary, Cocona has become a beacon of hope and a role model for many individuals, especially young people, who are navigating their own identities. This act of authenticity has been praised for fostering a more inclusive conversation around gender in the often-conservative landscapes of Japanese and Korean pop culture. Their willingness to be vulnerable on a global stage has the potential to inspire lasting change and promote greater acceptance within the industry and beyond.
Interesting Facts about Cocona
- Cocona’s role model and favorite musician is Lauryn Hill.
- They are also inspired by artists like Tyler, The Creator, Keyshia Cole, TLC, and Doja Cat.
- Cocona is fluent in Korean.
- Their favorite color is green, and their lucky color is yellow-green.
- If they could only eat one food for the rest of their life, it would be curry rice.
- Cocona and fellow XG member Maya have known each other since they were children.
- They enjoy meditating and taking notes on their iPad.
Controversies
There are no publicly known controversies involving Cocona.
Social Media Presence
Cocona’s individual social media accounts are noted as inactive or deleted. They connect with fans primarily through the official XG group accounts.
- Instagram – Information on individual followers not available.
- Twitter – Information on individual followers not available.
- YouTube – Information on individual subscribers not available.
Final Words about Cocona
Cocona’s journey is a compelling narrative of a multi-talented artist and a courageous individual. As a core member of the trailblazing group XG, they continue to push artistic boundaries with their powerful rap performances and contribute to the group’s rising global stardom. The future for XG, with their innovative music and dedicated fanbase, looks incredibly bright. Beyond the stage, Cocona’s personal story of self-acceptance and their public embrace of their transmasculine non-binary identity have added a profound dimension to their public persona. They stand as a powerful voice for authenticity and an inspiration for many around the world. As Cocona and XG move forward, they are not only set to achieve new musical heights but also to continue making a meaningful impact on culture and society, championing a message of self-love and courage.
