It is a photograph of our time. One of the world’s most famous and most ostentatious men – a lover of all things gold and shiny and over the top – standing with Pikotaro, the performer of painful viral hit Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen.

The unlikely photograph of the US president and the Japanese singer, whose real name is Kazuhito Kosaka, was taken at a reception in Tokyo as part of Donald Trump’s 11-day tour of Asia. Pikotaro was chosen to sing for the president at the lavish reception.

In the image, Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe hovers nearby, while Trump grins at the camera and a beaming Pikotaro makes the Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen sign with his hands.

Pikotaro was obviously thrilled with the meeting, writing on Twitter that it was “an honour” and posting more than 15 images from the event.

The meeting was not mentioned on Trump’s Twitter account.

I have had a very valuable experience in my life today. Also, I just make fun music. And I want to deliver a small smile to everyone. pic.twitter.com/8D0ltQezOr — ピコ太郎(PIKOTARO)(公式) (@pikotaro_ppap) November 6, 2017

Pikotaro was reportedly chosen to perform at the dinner because Abe wanted to keep the mood “upbeat” during Trump’s visit.

His hit song, which contains a handful of words, is just 45 seconds long.



PPAP reached No 1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 and became the shortest single to chart on the US Billboard chart.



It is already a hit with some members of Trump’s family. A video showing Ivanka Trump’s daughter, Arabella, singing along to PPAP went viral in November last year, coinciding with Abe’s meeting with the then president-elect in New York.