On the first leg of his Asia tour, President Donald Trump has been busy meeting Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, 25-year-old Japanese professional golfer Hideki Matsuyama, and even Emperor Akihito, but it appears his least scrutinized meeting happens to be the most colorful (and loudest) of the bunch. At a November 6th dinner reception, the President met Japanese Internet sensation Piko Taro, whose viral hit PPAP (Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen was so big it resulted in his own pop-up cafe and numerous guests appearances around the globe.

Piko Taro is just one alter-ego of Japanese comedian Daimaou Kosaka (real name Kazuhito Kosaka), but the gaudy leopard-print singer is hands down his only one with a comparable internet presence to President Trump. The exchange seems to have been limited to a photo opp and some formalities (whatever ones you can imagine between Donald Trump and Piko Taro). In a recent television interview, Piko Taro says that Melania Trump asked him to sing the viral hit for her, and he obliged the First Lady. In regards to meeting President Trump and Prime Minister Abe at the reception, Piko Taro writes that " It is an honor!", which no doubt makes the President's granddaughter Arabella happy.

President Trump next heads off to South Korea and China, perhaps with a tune in his head many had just hoped they had forgotten.

Piko Taro also recorded a special message on behalf of the Japanese Foreign Ministry for annual cherry blossom reception in Washington, which Ivanka and Arabella attended.


By - grape Japan editorial staff.