Prepare to have your perception of global viral phenomena irrevocably altered.
The Song
"PPAP (Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen)" is a novelty song that took the internet by storm in 2016. The original, concise version, lasting just 45 seconds, features incredibly simple English lyrics about combining a pen, an apple, and a pineapple, set to a minimalist electro-pop beat. Its infectious simplicity and absurd humor were key to its rapid global spread. The "Long Version" extends the track to just over two minutes, incorporating additional verses and repetitive lyrics that further emphasize the playful concept.
The song was written and produced by Daimaou Kosaka, the comedian who also performs as PIKOTARO. He reportedly conceived the song while sitting at home, listening to a tune, and observing a pen, an apple (from his home prefecture of Aomori, known for apples), and an open can of pineapple slices on his table.
The Artist
PIKOTARO is a fictional singer-songwriter character created and portrayed by Japanese comedian, television personality, and entertainer Kazuhito Kosaka, also known by his stage name Daimaou Kosaka. Kosaka introduced PIKOTARO as a separate personality whom he promotes, though they are widely understood to be the same person.
Born in 1973 in Aomori, Japan, Kosaka has been active in entertainment since 1992. Prior to the global sensation of "PPAP", he was a comedian and music producer, even forming a techno unit called No Bottom! in 2003. His transformation into PIKOTARO, complete with a distinctive yellow animal-print suit, sunglasses, and a quirky permanent hairstyle, was central to the character's appeal.
Chart Performance
The original "PPAP (Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen)" music video was uploaded to YouTube on August 25, 2016, rapidly gaining viral momentum. Following its online success, the song was officially released to digital storefronts through Avex Music Creative on October 7, 2016. The "Long Version" was subsequently released on October 28, 2016, through Ultra Records.
The song debuted at number 77 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States in October 2016. At just 45 seconds long, it earned PIKOTARO a Guinness World Record for the shortest song ever to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 at that time. It also reached number 1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart and charted at number 6 on the Japan Hot 100 Year-end Chart for 2016.
Cultural Impact
"PPAP" became a global internet phenomenon, drawing comparisons to Psy's "Gangnam Style" for its widespread virality and meme potential. The song's reach exploded after Canadian pop star Justin Bieber tweeted that it was his "favorite video on the internet" in September 2016, leading to what PIKOTARO referred to as "the Justin Impact." This endorsement significantly boosted its views and triggered a wave of parodies and covers by celebrities, Olympic athletes, and fans worldwide.
The absurd and simple nature of "PPAP" made it easily digestible and shareable across various platforms, contributing to its rapid diffusion across 134 countries. Its success demonstrated the power of internet culture and simple, quirky content to achieve international recognition, even leading to PIKOTARO performing at a state reception for then-US President Donald Trump during his 2017 trip to Asia.
Fun Facts
- PIKOTARO earned a Guinness World Record for "PPAP" being the shortest song to enter the Billboard Hot 100.
- The music video for the original 45-second version of "PPAP" was produced on a low budget of around 100,000 yen (approximately $1,000 USD at the time).
- PIKOTARO stated that he earned "hundreds of millions of yen" from the song's success, equivalent to about 25 years of his previous income.
- In April 2017, PIKOTARO received a pineapple-shaped certificate and a year's supply of pineapples from a fruit company in recognition of his efforts to raise "fruit awareness."
- In 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, PIKOTARO released a remix titled "PPAP-2020" which encouraged thorough handwashing.
- PIKOTARO made an appearance on the Japanese edition of Sesame Street, joining Elmo and Cookie Monster to sing their version of the song, "CBCC (Cookie-Butter-Choco-Cookie)."