Pikotaro to promote sustainable development goals

Japanese comedian Pikotaro has adapted his catchy song, Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen’, to promote the United Nations’ sustainable development goals.

The original went viral last year after pop star Justin Bieber tweeted that it was his favourite video.

Kazuhito Kosaka is known by his stage name Pikotaro.

Trademark outfit

In his trademark leopard-lizard design outfit, Pikotaro was a bit reserved at an appearance on Wednesday alongside the more conservatively dressed Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida.

The PPAP star beamed at the invitation to accompany the diplomat to New York and pledged to do his utmost for the awareness campaign. The U.N. version, “SDGs”, debuts on Monday.

In the original PPAP song, Pikotaro mimics stabbing a pen into an apple and a pineapple while singing simple English lyrics and dancing to a catchy beat.

At first, Pikotaro seemed unconvinced. “Do you mean the U.N., one that is in New York? Me? Are you sure?” he asked half-jokingly.

The U.N. action plan sets goals in fighting poverty, climate change and other global challenges.

Mr. Kishida says he needs to boost awareness for the project in which every citizen needs to help. “Pikotaro-san’s popularity would be extremely effective to boost public recognition,” Mr. Kishida said.

Pikotaro said it would be a challenge to achieve all the goals.

But he was happy to accept the Foreign Ministry’s appointment to the promotional role and to help by doing what he does best. “Something easy that encourages people to watch and follow.”