PIKOTARO Promotes Handwashing in "PPAP 2020" MV

PIKOTARO, who achieved global fame for the hit “PPAP” (“Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen”) in 2016, has updated his song to encourage people around the world to stay safe during the current global crisis.

PIKOTARO recorded the new version – titled “PPAP 2020” – at the home of his producer KOSAKA DAIMAOU. The music video shows PIKOTARO parodying his tune by adding a catchy chorus of “Wash! Wash! Wash!” with the mission of helping children and adults wash their hands thoroughly.

In 2020, “PPAP” stands for “Pray for People And Peace”.

PIKOTARO – “PPAP 2020”

PIKOTARO added a special message to the video:

From PIKOTARO to the whole world…
I made this in a hurry for Smile and Safe hands!
Wash it! Smile! Protect it!
Come on, people, let’s Wash! Wash! Wash!

The original version of “PPAP” achieved over 135 million views on YouTube, making PIKOTARO a worldwide sensation, and the song’s multiple versions have amassed over 500 million views combined. He holds the record as the only Japanese artist to date to hit #1 on the YouTube Global music video chart, staying at the top for 3 weeks in a row. He also received the Guinness World Record in 2016 for the “Shortest song to enter the Billboard Hot 100″.

In 2019, PIKOTARO released PIKO 10 PROJECT by uploading new works to his official YouTube channel every week for 10 straight weeks, culminating with the viral hit “I’m standing”, which scored over 1 million views on YouTube.