The internet is currently obsessed with 2016. From the return of “core” aesthetics to the nostalgia for a time when viral challenges united the globe, the energy of a decade ago is officially trending. And who better to lead the revival than the man who defined that era?
As we approach the 10th anniversary of the legendary “PPAP (Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen),” PIKOTARO is proving he isn’t just a relic of 2016 nostalgia, and he’s turning Japan into a giant, living jukebox.
On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, PIKOTARO officially launched the next phase of his massive anniversary project with the release of “Tottemo Release 80.8 (06).” This isn’t just another single; it’s the start of an ambitious 47-prefecture musical odyssey.
The Ultimate 2016 Throwback Meets a 2026 Vision
In 2016, you couldn’t scroll through a feed without seeing a leopard-print suit and hearing a catchy beat about office supplies and fruit. The video was a global phenomenon, championed by Justin Bieber and documented by the BBC and CNN. It became the shortest song ever to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, earning a spot in the Guinness World Records.
Now, PIKOTARO is channeling that same viral energy into his most expansive project yet: the “Prefecture Song” series.
What is the “Prefecture Song” Series?
The “Prefecture Song” series is a serialized musical project where PIKOTARO aims to capture the essence of all 47 Japanese prefectures. The latest installment, “Tottemo Release 80.8 (06),” focuses on the northern reaches of the country, specifically the Hokkaido and Tohoku regions.
The tracks include:
· TO-DO-FU-KEN! (Opening Song)
· Hokkaido
· Aomori
· Akita
· Iwate
· Fukushima
· Miyagi
· Yamagata
Each track is a surprise. Rather than sticking to the minimalist beat of PPAP, PIKOTARO is genre-hopping through drum and bass, city pop, blues, and even anime-inspired sounds. It’s a colorful, high-energy tribute to the diversity of Japan, delivered with the playful humor that made him a household name.
Behind the Scenes: The “80.8” Goal
The project is part of a massive release initiative titled “Tottemo Release 80.8,” which spans from August 2025 to July 2026. The goal is to drop 80.8 tracks (80 songs plus a mysterious “0.8” extra) with new music arriving every single month.
Producer Kosaka Daimaou explains that the project was born out of genuine curiosity:
“Every time we visited different regions, we naturally ended up creating songs inspired by those places. At some point, PIKOTARO and I said, ‘Why not just make them all?’”
PIKOTARO, in his signature style, kept the inspiration even simpler: “I just suddenly felt like singing the names of every prefecture across Japan—pico! So I sang them all—pico!”
Why PIKOTARO Matters Now
Beyond the viral dances and the catchy hooks, PIKOTARO has become a symbol of Japanese cultural diplomacy. Since his 2016 breakout, he has:
· Attended state banquets for world leaders.
· Been appointed as an official ambassador for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
· Proven that a simple idea, fueled by curiosity, can cross any language barrier.
With “Tottemo Release 80.8 (06),” he is moving from the digital world into the physical landscape of Japan, inviting fans to learn about the country’s geography through his unique “Pico-pop” lens.
What’s Next for the “Jukebox”?
The journey is just getting started. As the “Prefecture Song” series continues, PIKOTARO will move south through the rest of Japan. There are already whispers of collaborations with major artists and even more genre-bending surprises as the 10th-anniversary celebrations reach their peak.
Whether you’re a 2016-era fan looking for that nostalgic hit or a new listener discovering his “47-prefecture jukebox,” one thing is clear: PIKOTARO is still the master of making the world smile—pico!
The Pop Blog general news and updates, mostly from press releases and conferences.