Pikotaro still can't believe it all. Two days before he sits down with The Japan Times, the performer saw that American DJ duo The Chainsmokers had changed their Twitter name to "Pineapple & Pen," a nod to his song "PPAP." That pair previously claimed YouTube's most popular clip with "Closer" — until Pikotaro's 45-second ditty took the top spot.

"Is that real? Is that really their account?" he asks me midway through our interview. I assure him that it's authentic, and for a split second he looks surprised. Just another highlight in a surreal month.

Pikotaro is a character created and played by Kazuhito (aka Daimaou) Kosaka, a comedian who has been grinding away in Japan's entertainment industry for more than two decades. He has long been a mid-tier act, notable enough to appear in Seven-Eleven commercials and guest on variety shows, but has never held the spotlight. On the Thursday night we meet, however, he commands it. Decked out in his signature golden animal-print clothes and with a scribbled-on mustache, the staff on the 39th floor of his management company Avex's Roppongi office appear to be completely centered on him. And his surprise hit song.