Who Is XG’s COCONA? Artist Comes Out as Transmasculine Non-Binary on 20th Birthday

2025 Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival - Weekend 2 - Day 3 - Source: Getty
2025 Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival - Weekend 2 - Day 3 - Source: Getty

All Japanese member global group XG’s COCONA just came out as Transmasculine Non-Binary on their 20th birthday.

2025 Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival - Weekend 2 - Day 3 - Source: Getty
2025 Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival - Weekend 2 - Day 3 - Source: Getty

In a birthday post on Instagram, COCONA, whose real name is Akiyama Kokona, expressed her sexuality boldly for her fans to see. Not only that, but she also announced that she recently got top surgery as well, to help with her transition to her new identity.

ā€œToday, 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.ā€
They further added, "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.ā€

They spoke about the experience and the difficulties of this journey,

"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, ā€œThere’s nothing wrong with who I am inside.ā€"
They concluded with thanking the fans, "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."

Who is COCONA?

Part of the global seven-piece hip-hop and R&B-inspired group, which consists of members Jurin, Chisa, Hinata, Harvey, Juria, Maya; COCONA is a rapper. The group debuted in 2022 and has been making waves ever since. In fact, a 17-year-old COCONA had left quite a mark with her smooth rap flow in her part in the song GALZ XYPHER.

The 20-year-old stated in her message that she could go through this journey due to the support of the other members of XG, the group’s producer and label CEO, Simon Jakops and their parents.

Edited by Sohini Biswas