"Do whatcha wanna do what the old toilet lady"

October 1, 2020 10:30 AM

Pikotaro is the comedian you may know from Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen or his recent collaboration with Pikachu. His PIKO-10 project consists of ten new songs, uploaded one per week to his YouTube channel, starting with a message to a father from a child inside the womb (Pikotaro is a newish dad) and wrapping up with the viral hit "Everyone must die" which he describes as "his wish for happiness and good health for everyone as they share the same journey from birth to the end of life." The song's release was timed to coincide with Obon, the Buddhist festival of the dead in Japan.
posted by jessamyn (3 comments total)

On White Ashes

"As we deeply observe the transient form of man's life, we realize that in this world, from beginning to end, nothing is more fragile and fleeting than the course of human life.

Thus, we have not heard of anyone receiving human form that lasts for ten thousand years. Life swiftly passes. Can a person preserve his body for a hundred years at the present time? Not knowing whether death will come today or tomorrow, those who depart before us are as countless as the drops of dew.

Therefore, in the morning we may have radiant health; in the evening we may be white ashes. When the winds of uncertainty strike, our eyes are closed forever. When the last breath leaves our body, the healthy color of the face is transformed and we lose the appearance of radiant life. Our loved ones may gather around and lament, but to no avail. When such an event occurs, the body is sent into an open field and cremated, leaving only white ashes.

Thus, we see that what man cannot control is the passing away of young and old alike. Therefore, we are brought to understand that each moment of our life, every day, is precious and unrepeatable."
posted by jazon at 3:36 PM on October 1, 2020 [2 favorites]

PIKO!
posted by cortex at 10:51 AM on October 2, 2020

Thanks, Jessamyn!

I've been a fan of Pikotaro for a while, bought his first album, follow him on social media. But, my first introduction to this project was when a friend randomly posted a link to TEKE TEKE. As someone who doesn't speak the language and has almost no connection to the culture, I interpreted it as unbridled, joyful exuberance. A little machine translation convinced me I was very wrong. As far as I can tell, Teke-Teke seems to be a Japanese folk tale similar to La Llarona or Bloody Mary. I think it's better explained as a cry against doom and panic. But, I may be wrong about that too.

I am kind of annoyed my nation's disasterous response to COVID means that I can't dress up as one of the TEKE TEKE camera operators for halloween. I have access to free tyvek suits. Maybe next year.)
posted by eotvos at 8:26 AM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]