Back in August 2016, Japanese comedian and television personality Kazuhito Kosaka released his hit song PPAP (Pen Pineapple Apple Pen) his stage name Pikotaro which took the world by storm, earning headlines in international news media like CNN and BBC and receiving mentions by celebrities around the world including Justin Bieber.

To date, the PPAP music video has over 327 million views on YouTube (as of May 11, 2020). It was the number one most viewed video in the world on YouTube for three consecutive weeks. Pikotaro hailed as the first person in Japan to earn such a feat. The viral track also made Pikotaro the first Japanese artist to clock in the Billboard US’s Hot 100 at No. 77 as well the shortest song to feature on the chart for which he receives a Guinness World Record.

Last month, Pikotaro released a 2020 version of PPAP, and has now dropped a brand new song entitled Hoppin’ Flappin’.

On his YouTube channel, Pikotaro commented: “The #stayhome situation is ongoing so I made another new track!! Hop like a rabbit! Fly like a bird! Get your lazy body movin’ with these jumps!
Have fun with Hoppin’ Flappin’! Can you complete the Hop and Flap? PIKOTARO was too old to do it! Let’s Hoppin’ Flappin’ with the new “PPAP”!!”

“Hoppin’ Flappin'” / PIKOTARO

Back in August 2016, Japanese comedian and television personality Kazuhito Kosaka released his hit song PPAP (Pen Pineapple Apple Pen) his stage name Pikotaro which took the world by storm, earning headlines in international news media like CNN and BBC and receiving mentions by celebrities around the world including Justin Bieber.

To date, the PPAP music video has nearly 320 million views on YouTube (as of April 7, 2020). It was the number one most viewed video in the world on YouTube for three consecutive weeks. Pikotaro hailed as the first person in Japan to earn such a feat.

And now, the leopard print and sunglasses-wearing legend is back with a new 2020 version of PPAP, which encourages the people of the world to keep their hands clean during the ongoing coronavirus situation. Pikotaro conceived the song in response to the pandemic, wondering if there was anything he could do as Pikotaro. The he shot and produced the video home.

PIKOTARO – PPAP-2020-

The original PPAP melody is kept the same, but the words are replaced with instructions to wash your hands, as well as to “Pray For People And Peace” (PPAP).

Singer-songwriter Pikotaro, known for the viral hit song Pen Pineapple Apple Pen, released his first album I have a PPAP digitally across 150 countries on July 13.

The album features a total of 31 tracks including Pikataro’s big hits throughout 2017-2018 such as PPAP as well as his newest song Can you see? I’m SUSHI. This record is the ultimate Pikotaro experience.

Pikotaro has the following to say about his new song: “When I went to Belgium and spoke with the Belgian staff about making a song about something Japan is known for, I improvised while singing, and they found it really funny. I’m really happy to have been able to make a song in this way. Although Japan is a sushi country there’s not a lot of songs about sushi, so I want both the people of the world and  of Japan to use this opportunity to sing about it!”

Pikotaro may be about to cause a sushi boom across the world, so be sure to check out the music video.

The new automated money box speaks, plays music from the film, andburps after every deposit!

Studio Ghibli’s 2001 animated film Spirited Away remains the highest-earning anime in Japan, with much of its success due to its unique cast of magical characters. There’s a mysterious boy who turns into a dragon, a stinky bowl-hatted white radish, soot sprites who hide in the shadows, and of course, a lonely spirit called No Face.

As one of the main characters in the film, No Face is a lonely creature who becomes close to female protagonist Chihiro, only to turn into a hungry monster when exposed to the greed of people surrounding him in the magical bathhouse. His gold-and-human-devouring rampage is one of the highlights of the film, where he reveals a set of white teeth from beneath his expressionless mask as he eats everything in sight, including a frog spirit called Aogaeru.

The bromance is strong between these two singing sensations.

Ever since Piko Taro took YouTube by storm in August last year with his viral hit “Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen“, the leopard-print loving Japanese star has had one very famous fan by his side: Justin Bieber. The Canadian singer, who also got his big break by posting videos on YouTube, showed his love for Piko Taro by sharing this clip on Twitter with his 90+ million followers.

Now, the two stars have finally met in person as part of a new ad campaign for Softbank, one of Japan’s leading telecommunications providers. While their hotly anticipated commercial is yet to air, Softbank recently released a teaser video showing us what went on behind the scenes when the two met while filming the ad. Let’s check out the clip below!

Steamed pork buns get a sweet companion that’s grabbing everyone’s attention in Japan.

Steamed pork buns, or nikuman, as they’re known in Japan, are hugely popular around the country, especially in the colder months when their hot, meaty fillings seem extra delicious. This winter, there’s a new steamed bun filling that’s set to warm your insides while tantalising your eyes and your taste buds, and it’s one of the sweetest and most unusual varieties we’ve ever seen!

It’s called the Marugoto Purinman, which translates to “Whole Custard Pudding Steamed Bun”, and it delivers on its title with an entire custard pudding, or crème caramel, hidden inside a beautifully decorated steamed bun.

Ramen and green tea are two of the best things to make if you’ve got a pot of hot water, and now you can have both at once.

After the amazingly thorough Cup Noodles/Final Fantasy XV cross-promotion, you’d think the creative minds at Nissin, maker of Japan’s most popular brand of instant ramen, would be taking a well-deserved break. You don’t get to the top of your field by resting on your laurels, though, and so Nissin has created something even more unexpected than a fantasy epic starring its flagship product.

Shoganji in Tokyo’s Katsushika ward is a very unique temple. The statues of a lion and a dinosaur are guarding the temple grounds. The greatest appeal of this temple is however its planetarium!

Pikotaro, the man who you will know as responsible for the viral hit “Pen Pineapple Apple Pen”, released his first ever official game on LINE titled “LINE：PPAP The Game” on December 20th. There’s no need to download the game as you can play it directly from your LINE app. Just follow Pikotaro on LINE and you’re good to go. Fear not those of you outside Japan as you can play the game overseas too by following the same steps.

The gameplay is very simple. Time your tapping perfectly and hit the apples and pineapples that fall from the top of the screen while aiming for a high score. If just one piece of fruit falls to the floor it’s an instant game over. How will you be able to pierce with you pen? Take up the challenge and aim for a high score!

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・Pikotaro’s Official LINE Account
＜How to Add＞
Open up LINE and click on “Add Friends”. From there, click on either “ID/Phone No.” or “QR Code” at the top and enter the relevant information found below.
ID: Search “pikotaro”
QR Code → https://lin.ee/1Pk9z4j
*If you’re adding via QR Code, click the link above and scan it to add Pikotaro.

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■Related Article: Pump up your party with PICOTARO’s official costume ー get your PPAP on ASAP!!!
■Related Article: Pikotaro is teaching Elmo and Cookie Monster how to do the “PPAP” ! Does it means that the Sesame Street version of “PPAP” ; the “ CBCC “ is finally done ?!
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■Information
LINE：PPAP The Game
Available From: December 20th, 2016
Price: Free
Languages: Japanese, English
Accessible: Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, South-East Asia, North America, Europe
For iPhone/Android
Copyright © cavex management.Inc / LINE Corporation. All rights reserved.
Publisher: CoolGames Japan株式会社
※You can play the game by following Pikotaro on LINE.
※Aforementioned details regarding the game are the same as the information on the game’s day of release. Information may be subject to change without notice.
※If you are using packet data you will be subject to unaffiliated fees.
※All product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders.

Village Vanguard have released a brand new line of smart footwear titled “Orphe” over on their website. Each shoe has around 100 individual LED lights fitted, as well as Bluetooth modules and 9 motion sensors.

The 100 or so full colour LEDs are fitted into the sole of the shoe, each emitting their own dazzling lights. You can freely customise the lights by using the app on your smartphone which enables you to take control and operate the lights and sound inside the shoes. The lights and sound change with every step you take, so you’re going to have plenty of fun playing around with the settings. Moreover, there are 9 motion sensors in the soles from which you can acquire real-time data of your movements. You can even link the shoes up to music creation software and other applications to put on a show for people! These shoes will undoubtedly be popular in dance performances.約100個のフルカラーLEDをソールに内蔵し、自由度の高い豊かな光の表現ができる靴。

■Information

Orphan

Village Vanguard Online: http://vvstore.jp/?utm_source=press 

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■Related Article: BAPE KIDS® celebrate their 10th anniversary with Hello Kitty & My Melody collaborative t-shirts!

■Related Article: Transform into a cat this autumn & winter with this cat-tail phone case and fluffy cat bag

Holiday Jack, a company which makes unique events, is holding special experience-based events for foreign sightseers.

The number of overseas visitors is increasing in the run up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. A unique event called “Be a Ninja” is becoming very popular among foreigners.

Guests can walk around the city wearing a Ninja costume, something which is really enjoyed by the sightseers, and walk around the downtown areas of Asakusa, Ryogoku and Tokyo Skytree, as well as heading into the deeper spots that aren’t found in the guidebooks.

The walking course allows you to be exposed to local Japanese culture where you can walk and eat, hit up the game centers to have a go at the “UFO Catchers” (claw machines) and have your photo taken at purikura, and more.

Everyone who participates are so excited to wear the special costumes and to take photos and videos of themselves, ninja style! If you’re in Japan, why not have a go at being a ninja and sightseeing yourself?

■Informaion

Be a Ninja

Official site：http://ninjatour.jimdo.com/

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■Related article：The entertaining sushi restaurant that you can feel like being in Edo.

■Related article：What we all needed but never realised it: a kotatsu restaurant! Experience the true charm of a Japanese winter

The unique “SAMURAIS HOSTEL” has recently opened in Ikebukuro. Fusing together the concepts of samurai, ninja and art, the hostel consists of rooms decorated with wall paintings and castle-themed private rooms. You can enjoy a variety of events at the same location, including commemoration photography where the guests can try on armour. This is no ordinary accommodation ー it is packed with entertainment!

The concept of “Samurai, Ninja X Art” runs through the hostel. The 4^th floor has been designed for families and groups. This floor contains private rooms themed around castles which stood during the Warring States Period of Japanese history (approx. 1467-1568 CE). The 3^rd floor consists of dormitory-style rooms, and the 2^nd floor includes private rooms for up to 2 guests. Both the 3rd and 2nd floors include rooms which are ninja-themed, mount fuji-themed, and much more!

Guests are welcome to have their photo taken whilst wearing  samurai armour and a helmet. This event is located in the reception area of the 1st floor. Guests will then receive a photo of themselves wearing the armour set as a present (fee included).

The price to stay at this accommodation depends on the season, varying between ￥3,000 〜 ￥6,000 per person per night. Experience Japan to your heart’s content at a reasonable price at this hostel!

■Information

SAMURAIS HOSTEL Ikebukuro
Address：3-52-12 Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tōkyō-to
Contact number：03-5904-8384
URL： http://www.samurai-s.co.jp/

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■Related article: Dress up as a wartime samurai over at the “Samurai Armor Photo Studio” in Shibuya!

■Related article: 【MOSHI MOSHI GOURMET】Why don’t you go bar hopping at “Omoide Yokocho”?