'Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen' and the UN have a new rhyme

Japan Today -- Jul 12

"Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen" and the U.N. are rhyming. Japanese comedian Pikotaro has adapted his catchy song to promote the United Nations' sustainable development goals.

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

Pikotaro was appointed by Japan's Foreign Ministry to promote the goals. The comedian, in his trademark leopard-lizard design outfit, was a bit reserved alongside the more conservatively dressed Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida at their appearance Wednesday.

But the PPAP star beamed at the invitation to accompany the diplomat to New York and pledged to do utmost for the awareness campaign. They'll debut the U.N. version, "SDGs," on Monday.

Jul 12 (ANNnewsCH) - 世界の貧困撲滅に向けた国連の活動を広く知ってもらおうと、歌手のピコ太郎さんと外務省がコラボしました。 貧困や格差など国際社会が解決すべき課題を掲げたSDGs(持続可能な開発目標)は、おととしの国連サミットで採択されています。