Kazuhito Kosaka, known famously by his entertainer stage names Daimaou Kosaka, is a Japanese comedian, television personality, and music producer who became a global internet phenomenon.
He spent decades working within the Japanese comedy circuit as a stand-up performer and media host before he achieved massive international fame in 2016.
His viral musical alter-ego released the hit single PPAP (Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen), which broke a Guinness World Record and transformed him into a globally recognized figure in modern digital pop culture.
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| Wiki Facts & About Data | |
| Real Name: | Kazuhito Kosaka |
| Stage Name: | Daimaou Kosaka |
| Born: | July 17, 1973 (age 53 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Aomori, Aomori Prefecture, Japan |
| Nationality: | Japanese |
| Height: | 1.86m |
| Parents: | Mr. and Mrs. Kosaka |
| Spouse: | Hitomi Yasueda (m. 2017) |
| Relationship: | Married |
| Children: | 2 |
| Occupation: | Comedian, music producer, television personality |
| Net Worth: | $6 million |
Early Life and Education
Kazuhito Kosaka was born on July 17, 1973, in Aomori, Aomori Prefecture, Japan, where he spent his youth developing a strong interest in theatrical performance and Japanese comedy styles.
He was raised by Mr. and Mrs. Kosaka, who provided a stable home while he discovered his talent for entertaining classmates and peers.
He grew up with siblings whose details remain private, as he has kept his family life out of the public spotlight.
He completed his secondary education at a local high school in Aomori Prefecture before moving to Tokyo to study at the Japan Institute of the Moving Image, where he trained in media production and comedy performance. He is of Japanese ethnic background and maintains a Shinto religious affiliation.
Career
Kazuhito Kosaka began their career in the entertainment industry in 1992 by joining the comedy trio Bottom Line, which allowed him to get his foot in the door of the competitive Tokyo stand-up circuit.
He built steady professional recognition over the decade through live stage shows and frequent television appearances, eventually changing his main stage name to Daimaou Kosaka, which translates into English as Kosaka the Great Demon King.
His early career growth saw him moving into music production and variety show hosting, where he regularly worked as a radio DJ and television presenter across various regional networks in Japan.
His professional life took an unpredictable and monumental turn in 2016 when he introduced a new comedic musical character named Pikotaro, a fictional singer dressed in a flashy leopard-print outfit.
He uploaded a short, incredibly catchy track called Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen to YouTube under this persona, and the song went completely viral across the world after it was shared online by international pop star Justin Bieber.
The single achieved an incredible milestone by entering the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it the shortest song to ever do so and earning him an official Guinness World Record alongside millions of digital streams.
His widespread influence on the entertainment industry allowed him to transition into high-profile international appearances, which included performing at major music festivals, filming global ad campaigns, and meeting world leaders during official diplomatic events.
He has built a lasting legacy as a producer who successfully fused internet meme culture with traditional Japanese variety comedy, proving that digital media could launch a local artist onto the global stage.
His current standing remains incredibly secure as he continues to make frequent television appearances, voice animated characters, and produce music projects for popular Japanese entertainment agencies like Avex Group.
Social Media
- Instagram Handle: @pikotaro_ppap_official
- Facebook Handle: @PIKOTARO.official
- Twitter Handle: @kosaka_daimaou
Personal Life
Kazuhito Kosaka was born on July 17, 1973, and is 52 years old. He is happily married to Japanese television personality and media model Hitomi Yasueda, whom he dated for four years after meeting on a television set before they officially registered their marriage in August 2017.
Their family life includes two daughters, as his wife gave birth to their eldest daughter in June 2018 and welcomed their second daughter in October 2020.
Filmography
- Nougyou Shoujo (2010)
- Mashin Sentai Kiramager (2020)
Discography
- PPAP (2016)
- I Have a Cookie (2017)
- Can You See? I’m Sushi (2018)
Net Worth
Kazuhito Kosaka has an estimated net worth of $6 million, which comes from his massive wave of international success and his steady work in Japanese media.
His main source of financial income comes from his music streaming royalties, digital download revenue, and global publishing rights associated with the viral PPAP franchise.