In the ever-evolving world of viral music and quirky creativity, few phenomena have captured global hearts quite like Pikotaro’s “PPAP (Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen).” As we mark the launch of an ambitious new project on August 25, 2025, Pikotaro is back with a bang, announcing “Tottemo Release 80.8″—a year-long music marathon to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his iconic hit.
Whether you’re a longtime fan reminiscing about that catchy 45-second tune or a newcomer discovering Japanese pop culture’s whimsical side, this post explores how Pikotaro continues to blend humor, innovation, and heartfelt gratitude. Let’s unpack this exciting development step by step.
The Viral Sensation That Started It All: Who Is Pikotaro and What Made PPAP a Global Hit?
For those unfamiliar, Pikotaro is the alter ego of Japanese comedian and entertainer Daimaou Kosaka (real name: Kazuhito Kosaka), born on July 17, 1973. At 52 years old in 2025, Kosaka has built a career in comedy, TV, and music, but it’s his Pikotaro persona—often portrayed as a flamboyant, leopard-print-clad singer in his 60s—that skyrocketed him to fame.
“PPAP” debuted on YouTube on August 25, 2016, as a simple, absurd skit where Pikotaro “combines” a pen, pineapple, apple, and another pen through mime and repetitive lyrics. The video’s charm lies in its brevity and silliness: just 45 seconds of pure, unadulterated fun. It exploded virally, thanks in part to endorsements from celebrities like Justin Bieber, who called it his “favorite video on the Internet.” By August 2025, the official video has amassed over 176 million views, inspiring countless parodies, dances, and memes worldwide.
Culturally, “PPAP” taps into Japan’s love for “kawaii” (cute) absurdity and manzai-style comedy, where exaggerated characters deliver punchy, repetitive humor. For non-native audiences, think of it as a lighthearted escape—much like viral dances on TikTok today. Its global appeal crossed language barriers, charting on the Billboard Hot 100 (the shortest song ever to do so) and even earning Pikotaro a spot performing at a state dinner for U.S. President Donald Trump in 2017. This wasn’t just luck; it was a testament to Kosaka’s creative genius and the power of social media in an era where trends shift at lightning speed.
Announcing “Tottemo Release 80.8”: A Year of Music to Honor PPAP’s Legacy
Fast-forward to today, August 25, 2025—the exact date “PPAP” turns nine, with the full 10th anniversary hitting next year on August 25, 2026. To bridge this milestone, Pikotaro has unveiled “Tottemo Release 80.8,” a special project promising 80.8 new songs over the next 12 months. The quirky “.8” isn’t a typo; it’s a mysterious twist that Pikotaro teases as something even AI like ChatGPT couldn’t explain—more on that later.
The project name pays homage to the Roland TR-808 drum machine, the iconic synth that powered “PPAP”‘s beat. Pikotaro describes it as the “total settlement of outputs and inputs” for the decade, flipping the script on “PPAP”‘s ultra-efficient success. “With 45 seconds of ‘PPAP,’ I got to work for 10 years and earned quite a bit. It’s too cost-effective,” he quipped in a recent interview. “So, this time, I wanted the opposite—releasing nearly 81 songs.”
Releases will drop monthly, aiming to “deliver music and smiles to the world,” echoing Pikotaro’s original mission. This isn’t just quantity over quality; it’s a creative outpouring from someone who’s been songwriting for 3-4 years, with 80% of the material already ready. However, adding music videos to each could prove challenging, as Pikotaro admits: “It’ll probably break midway.”
Behind the Scenes: Challenges, Gratitude, and Personal Reflections
At the press event, Pikotaro appeared in a fresh “that kind of cute” outfit, blending his signature eccentricity with vulnerability. Reflecting on the past decade, he shared mixed feelings: “It feels incredibly long and incredibly short.” He credits not just luck but the tireless efforts of his team and fans for sustaining “PPAP” in a fast-paced SNS world where trends fade quickly.
Physically, the project is no small feat. Portraying himself as 62 (while Kosaka is 52), Pikotaro humorously noted the toll: “Sometimes when I wake up, I think ‘Am I a corpse?'” Kosaka, meanwhile, balances this with childcare duties, especially tough during Obon—a Japanese summer festival honoring ancestors, often a time of family gatherings and rest. “For the 15th anniversary, my body probably won’t move, so it’s now or never,” Pikotaro added, hinting this might be his “last challenge.”
This candor highlights the human side of viral stardom. In Japanese culture, where perseverance (ganbaru) is valued, Pikotaro’s story resonates as one of resilience. For international readers, it’s a reminder that behind the fun lies real effort—Kosaka is a family man, married since 2017 with children, juggling creativity and life.
Integrating AI: From “Toy” to Creative Partner
A modern twist? AI plays a starring role in music videos and possibly the enigmatic “0.8 song.” Kosaka, who’s partnered with AI in recent creations, calls it “love” (a play on “AI” sounding like “ai” for love in Japanese). “AI needs love too,” Pikotaro says. But he’s flipping the script: “We’re being toyed with by AI, so maybe it’s time to use AI to the fullest and toy with it.”
This reflects broader trends in music, where AI tools like generative models create visuals or even melodies. For the “0.8 song,” Pikotaro wanted something undefinable: “What to consider as 1? I wanted to do what even ChatGPT wouldn’t answer.” It’s a culturally sensitive nod to innovation without losing human touch—AI enhances, but Pikotaro’s whimsy drives it.
Kicking Off with Five Fresh Tracks: What to Listen To Now
The project launches strong with “Tottemo Release 80.8 (01),” a five-song digital EP available today. Highlights include:
Shin-Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen
An evolved “PPAP” remix blending hardstyle beats and AI elements for a fresh, energetic vibe. The MV, directed by Daisuke Furukawa, features AI visuals that update the classic mime routine.
Masumatics (Japanese ver.) and Mathematics (English ver.)
Playful takes on math-themed fun, perfect for bilingual fans.
Kaitai Mono ga Kaenai (Japanese) and I Can’t Buy What I Want to Buy (English)
Humorous tracks about consumer frustrations, with catchy rhythms.
These are streaming now on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, with MVs on YouTube. Early buzz on X (formerly Twitter) shows excitement: One user noted, “0.8 song is intriguing—don’t collapse midway!” Another called it a “fun challenge.”
Why This Matters: Pikotaro’s Lasting Impact and Future Outlook
Pikotaro’s journey from a simple fruit-pen gag to global icon underscores viral culture’s unpredictability. “Did I make ‘PPAP’ with a goal? It’s just sticking a pen in an apple,” he reflects. “It was unimaginable, so I stopped imagining. Watch where I go—or maybe nowhere.”
For fans, this project revives “PPAP” nostalgia while pushing boundaries with AI and volume. It could inspire creators worldwide, showing age and trends don’t limit creativity. Pikotaro’s past includes albums like “I Have a PPAP” (30 songs) and “PIKO 10 PROJECT,” but “80.8” dwarfs them.
As social media reacts—posts like “Can’t wait for the 80.8 curveball!” —it’s clear Pikotaro’s magic endures. Follow
@pikotaro_ppap
on X for updates.
In conclusion, “Tottemo Release 80.8” isn’t just songs; it’s a celebration of joy, gratitude, and innovation. Whether you’re in Tokyo or Toronto, tune in—Pikotaro’s challenge might just inspire your own creative spark.
