izna is expanding its global presence beyond music, as members Mai and Koko prepare to make their runway debut at Japan’s largest fashion event.
On December 24, agency WakeOne confirmed that Mai and Koko will appear as runway models at ‘TGC in Aichi·Nagoya 2026’, set to take place on February 15. Tokyo Girls Collection (TGC) is Japan’s biggest fashion festival and celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, making the invitation particularly meaningful.
A First Runway Challenge
For Mai and Koko, the upcoming appearance marks their first ever runway experience since debut. Taking the stage at a festival of this scale, the two members are expected to showcase their individual charm and refined style in a new setting, stepping into fashion with confidence and versatility. As they take on a different form of expression from music performances, attention is focused on how each member will translate her personality into a runway presence and how Japanese audiences will respond to the fresh challenge.
Fashion and Performance on One Stage
In addition to the runway appearances, izna will also participate in the event as a group, presenting a special performance stage. The combination of fashion and live performance positions the group as a multifaceted act, highlighting both individual identities and collective strength. The appearance is expected to serve as a platform where izna can further solidify its image on the global stage, blending visual impact with musical presence.
A Year of Growth and Visibility
Throughout the year, izna has continued to demonstrate artistic growth through releases such as ‘SIGN’, ‘BEEP’, and their second mini album ‘NOT JUST PRETTY’, showcasing a broader musical spectrum and evolving identity. The group’s rising influence was further reflected when ‘BEEP’ ranked No. 6 in the K-pop Dance category of Google Trends’ 2025 year-end report, reaffirming steady interest from both domestic and international fans.
Continuing Momentum into 2026
As izna moves into the year end and early 2026 season, the group is scheduled to appear on major stages including SBS Gayo Daejeon, MBC Gayo Daejejeon, the 40th Golden Disc Awards, and The Awards.
Editor’s Insight
The “TGC Effect” for izna is already yielding massive results. While Mai and Koko captivated the crowd during their individual runway segments, the entire group delivered a high-octane special performance that included “Mamma Mia,” “SASS,” and their signature track “SIGN.” This triple-threat setlist at the 20th-anniversary celebration of Tokyo Girls Collection effectively cemented their status as the “It-Girls” of 2026 in Japan.
What makes this milestone even more significant is the momentum izna carried into the event. Fresh off their Best Performance win at the 40th Golden Disc Awards in Taipei, the group is currently on a record-breaking streak. Their second mini-album, NOT JUST PRETTY, has already produced their first terrestrial music show No. 1 with “Mamma Mia,” and their cumulative Spotify streams have officially surpassed the 100 million mark.
From an industry perspective, the “BEEP” viral dance trend—which ranked in the top 10 of Google Trends’ 2025 K-pop Dance category—has provided the perfect digital foundation for their 2026 activities. As they head toward their next major appearances at The Awards and potential summer festival slots, izna is proving that they are “not just pretty”—they are a calculated, high-energy force that is currently redefining the crossover between K-pop and the global fashion industry.