'Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen' Meme Trademarked by an Osaka Company

Jan 28, 17 at 12:58am

Staff Writer

He has a pen, he has an apple. Pikotaro took the world by storm with his extremely catchy PPAP song or Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen song making it one of the well-known memes of 2016.

Not sure if the fun will stop for this catchy song. An Osaka-based company (which is unrelated to Pikotaro) called Best License Company filed a trademark for “PPAP” as well as the “Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen” names in both katakana and romanji. The trademark case dates were on October 5, November 15, and November 28.

This isn’t the first time that the company had trademarked something trendy— they also trademarked “STAP Saibo wa Arimasu” (There are STAP cells) as well as “The Democratic Party” (which was founded last year).

Trademarked or not, PPAP will always be remembered sung by Pikotaro and has dominated the entire world with its catchy tune and lyrics.

For more Japan news, you can check out Anime News Network.

Please login to post.

Top 5 Animes That Will Always Be Binge WorthyNov 3, 22 9pm

Over the past few years up to this point, millions of viewers hastily looked for new ways to entertain themselves. It's a known fact that millions of people found themselves stuck at home during quarantine, and the situation forced them to find something new and immersive that could help distract them from the stresses that the pandemic brought.

Best Female Lead Anime on NetflixJun 14, 22 9pm

In a predominantly male-dominated culture and genre, anime tends to over-represent and favor action-packed adventures of male protagonists discovering their true strengths. As a result, excellent anime featuring female characters can be challenging to locate.

According to Fans, These 5 Anime have the Most Annoying FanbasesOct 23, 22 1pm

With thousands of critics emerging, seemingly everyday, it is somehow difficult to be a fan of anime films or series nowadays. One of the most challenging parts is the toxic fandoms, you most commonly encounter online, ready to start an argument at the drop of a hat.

10 Anime Characters Who Deserve DefeatAug 22, 22 12pm

In the world of anime and just about any other story, it's common to have a protagonist and an antagonist. As the viewer, we're to follow the protagonist throughout their journey in hopes of a well-deserved victory.

New Dragon Ball Movie to Hit Theaters Internationally This SummerJun 1, 22 10pm

This summer, one of the best, long-running anime will have another big-screen movie. Yes, you read it right: the Dragon Ball Super franchise will have another movie, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, released this summer.

5 of the Best (or the Worst) Anime Characters with Split PersonalitiesOct 19, 22 1pm

Anime doesn't usually portray characters with split personalities. However, if they create one, it will be one of the most stunning characters. Split personality is also called Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID).

English Dub for The Yakuza’s Guide to BabysittingNov 23, 22 5pm

The waiting is now finally over. The Yakuza's Guide to Babysitting now launched its long-awaited English dub on October 20, 2022. It will be available only on Crunchyroll. For those who are unfamiliar with the anime, the Yakuza's Guide to Babysitting basically follows the story of Yakuza, an enforcer who is tasked with watching his boss' daughter.

More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers Anime Adaptation will Premiere in October This YearSep 20, 22 12pm

More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers is a popular Japanese manga series. A lot of fans from different parts of the world have been waiting for its release. This is created by Yūki Kanamaru who is best known for being an author & artist.

Five New Anime Coming out in JulyJun 29, 22 2pm

With the recent news that The Hunter x Hunter manga is coming back, Jujutsu Kaisen 0 is dominating the box office, and many beloved mangas getting their anime adaptations, it’s absolutely an amazing time to be an anime fan.

Anime Adaptation for Murai in Love has been AnnouncedJul 9, 22 5pm

Rom-com anime fans rejoice. Junta Shima’s romantic comedy manga Murai in Love (Murai no Koi) will be getting an anime adaptation, according to its official Twitter page. In a tweet posted this past June 15, the social media page for the manga series posted a photo featuring an animated onigiri and the message “Murai & Friends will return in The animation.

Twitter Exploded in Celebration for the 16th Anniversary of Fairy TailSep 6, 22 1pm

Hundreds of Fairy Tail manga fans recalled some of the most unforgettable moments in both manga and anime on its 16th anniversary. The manga was released on August 2, 2006, and since then, it became popular with anime lovers worldwide.

Ni No Kuni, The Anime, The Game and How They’re RelatedJul 25, 22 9am

Nothing is more exciting than your favorite film generated into an online game. If the digital world offered you the opportunity to play the character that you just once saw on screen, would you still hesitate.

Is It Wrong to Pick up Girls in a Dungeon? Probably not, if there’s soon to be 4 seasonsAug 3, 22 2pm

Is It Wrong to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon. was among the most popular fantasy animes released after its launch on April 4, 2015. After the finale of Season 3, Argonaut (Hero's Return), concluded with a sorrowful ending, fans were left heartbroken but at the same time excited to see what happens next for Bell and Ryu.

Two New Animated Specials for My Hero AcademiaAug 14, 22 9am

The wait for a new “My Hero Academia” content is over as the series has received a two-episode special this past June 16-19. It will be streamed online this summer, although no specific date has been announced and it’s unclear where the episodes will be streamed just ahead of its sixth season, however, one can asssume the episodes will be streamed on Crunchyroll.

Anime fans can get your own free website on RavenMay 6, 24 7pm

If you’re an anime fan looking for a way to share your passion with the world, Website Raven is the perfect platform for you. Built to be easy to use and flexible, Website Raven is a website builder that allows you to create your own personalized website for free, giving you the tools to connect with other fans, showcase your artwork, share your favorite series, or build a fan community.

Artificial Intelligence from OpenAI expands to TokyoAug 27, 24 9pm

In a significant move, OpenAI is establishing a new office in Tokyo and unveiling a version of its GPT-4 model optimized specifically for the Japanese language. This expansion underscores the company’s commitment to localizing its AI technology as it grows its global footprint.

Top staff suspended at Anime DetourApr 12, 24 2pm

Anime conventions, despite being a haven for geeks, nerds, and the often-oppressed, are also sadly no stranger to drama. Some Anime Detour staff have posted a link to a petition to remove the board of directors of "Anime Twin Cities Inc.

Anime Detour removes Troy McDonald and Kristen Loth from executive teamJun 10, 24 5pm

Minneapolis, MN – Anime Detour, a popular annual anime convention held in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, has undergone a significant leadership shakeup following the results of two internal investigations.

Anime Milwaukee may have hired previously-fired Anime Detour executivesJan 31, 10pm

Reports have surfaced that Anime Milwaukee may have hired former executives that were removed from the board of directors and executive leadership team of Anime Detour, however they can not be immediately verified as the parent organization of Anime Milwaukee, called the Entertainment Culture Promotion Society, has not updated its website since 2022.

Yor's Appeal in 'SPY×FAMILY' is Her InnocenceNov 12, 23 2pm

In Season 2 of the TV anime, 'SPY×FAMILY', the 'Luxury Cruise Line' edition is currently underway. This story arc features Yor at its center, unfolding the poignant inner conflicts of this character, who is an integral member of the Forger family and is also a hitman.

Raj Ramayya (Bebop, Wolfs Rain) Releases New Album and Music VideosAug 22, 23 8pm

Renowned composer and singer, Raj Ramayya, famous for his significant contributions to beloved anime titles like Cowboy Bebop, Resident Evil, and Wolf's Rain, has unveiled a brand-new Anime-inspired album titled "Spice Age Adventures.

Anime News

Anime Milwaukee may have hired previously-fired Anime Detour executives

Artificial Intelligence from OpenAI expands to Tokyo

Anime Detour removes Troy McDonald and Kristen Loth from executive team

Anime fans can get your own free website on Raven

Top staff suspended at Anime Detour

Yor's Appeal in 'SPY×FAMILY' is Her Innocence

Raj Ramayya (Bebop, Wolfs Rain) Releases New Album and Music Videos

English Dub for The Yakuza’s Guide to Babysitting

Top 5 Animes That Will Always Be Binge Worthy

According to Fans, These 5 Anime have the Most Annoying Fanbases

5 of the Best (or the Worst) Anime Characters with Split Personalities

More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers Anime Adaptation will Premiere in October This Year

Twitter Exploded in Celebration for the 16th Anniversary of Fairy Tail

10 Anime Characters Who Deserve Defeat

Two New Animated Specials for My Hero Academia

Is It Wrong to Pick up Girls in a Dungeon? Probably not, if there’s soon to be 4 seasons

Ni No Kuni, The Anime, The Game and How They’re Related

Anime Adaptation for Murai in Love has been Announced