'Pen Pineapple Apple Pen' is the only song you need to know
Move over, Pikachu – Piko-Taro is in town.
In the latest ridiculous bit of genius to take over the Internet, the character created by Japanese comedian-DJ Kosaka Daimaou sings PPAP, a nonsensical song about a pen and an apple and a pen and a pineapple while dancing to an addictive tune.
We're not kidding – the lyrics are about exactly that: "P-P-A-P. I have a pen. I have an apple. Uhh! Apple pen. I have a pen. I have pineapple. Uhh! Pineapple pen. Apple pen, pineapple pen… Uhh! Pen-pineapple-apple-pen. Pen-pineapple-apple-pen."
According to Spoon & Tamago, a blog dedicated to Japanese art, design and culture, Kosaka first introduced the character Piko-Taro in his stand-up comedy performances.
Piko-Taro, who sports a pencil-thin moustache, square spectacles and a gaudy animal print outfit, is said to resemble Admiral Kizaru 'Borsalino' from hit anime-manga series One Piece.
Kosaka, whose real name is Kazuhiko Kosaka, developed the character even further after it proved to be popular, and uploaded Piko-Taro's first YouTube video, PPAP, in late Aug 2016.
However, the 43-year-old only went viral after entertainment portal 9Gag uploaded the video on their Facebook page on Sep 26, garnering over 54mil views to date.
In an official dance lecture video "made in haste" on the same day, Piko-Taro addressed the song's worldwide popularity and taught viewers how to match his signature moves.
For one, the hand holding the 'apple' has to ape the Iron Claw move by wrestling legend Fritz Von Erich, while the hand holding the 'pineapple' has to be turned sideways to avoid the "bushy" top.
Japanese celebrity duo Rika and Riko, as well as Thai social media star Happy Polla, are just a few of the many who have released videos of themselves doing the moves.
Malaysian celebrity Amber Chia also posted a video of herself dancing to the song with her son, Ashton Wong, while pop star Justin Bieber declared the original as his "favourite video on the Internet".
K-pop boy band Up10tion also joined in the fun, with five of its 10 members presenting their own take on the dance moves.
The song has been met with a mix of unfettered delight and utter contempt, with YouTube user Niki Wonoto commenting: "Another stupid trend, this is why I lose hope in Humanity."
Facebook user Gillian Mayet drew comparisons to another viral hit – "Gangnam style, now this, we're doomed forever." – though many others are revelling in the song's sheer silliness, with Eunice EY Yap stating that it made her think of pineapple tarts: "Maybe someone can come up with our SG version of pineapple tarts rap."
However, only time will tell if PPAP will reach the viral heights of Psy's Gangnam Style, which made Internet history when it surpassed one billion views on YouTube in Dec 2012.
Copyright: The Star/Asia News Network