We have a collection of 37 arrangements for ZUN - Bad Apple
What made "Bad Apple!!" a viral sensation beyond its origins in the Touhou Project? Learn!
ZUN, whose real name is Jun'ya Ota, is a Japanese video game developer, music composer, and the creator of the Touhou Project, which is a popular series of bullet hell shoot 'em up games. "Bad Apple!!" is a well-known Touhou music track with a unique history and some interesting facts:
Origin: "Bad Apple!!" originally appeared as the stage 3 theme song in the Touhou Project game titled "Lotus Land Story," which was released in 1998. ZUN composed the music for the game, and the song "Bad Apple!!" quickly gained popularity among fans.
Vocal Arrangement: One of the most notable versions of "Bad Apple!!" is a vocal arrangement by Alstroemeria Records. This version features vocals by Nomico and became extremely popular, helping to further boost the song's fame.
Fan-made Music Videos: "Bad Apple!!" is particularly famous for its fan-made music videos, which often involve intricate and visually stunning animations created by fans using a variety of animation software, most notably using the MikuMikuDance (MMD) platform. These videos have gained millions of views on platforms like YouTube.
Touhou Fandom: The Touhou Project has a dedicated and passionate fan base that creates a wide range of fan works, including music, art, and games. "Bad Apple!!" became a symbol of this fan creativity and is often associated with the Touhou fandom.
Cultural Impact: The popularity of "Bad Apple!!" extended beyond the Touhou fan community and became a meme on the internet. Its catchy tune and visually impressive animations made it a popular choice for various parodies and remixes.
Official Arrangements: ZUN himself arranged and performed a version of "Bad Apple!!" with his band, Shanghai Alice, in the album "Retrospective 53 Minutes" released in 2006. This album featured rock and electronic arrangements of several Touhou Project songs.
Continued Popularity: Even years after its initial release, "Bad Apple!!" remains one of the most recognizable and beloved pieces of music from the Touhou Project. It's often performed at Touhou-related events and has been remixed and covered by various artists.
Collaborative Projects: ZUN has collaborated with other artists and doujin circles, allowing for the creation of a wide variety of interpretations and arrangements of his music, including "Bad Apple!!." These collaborations have helped expand the Touhou music scene.
Global Recognition: Despite being a niche series initially, the Touhou Project, and "Bad Apple!!" specifically, have gained international recognition and have a dedicated fanbase worldwide.
In summary, "Bad Apple!!" is not just a memorable piece of music but also a symbol of the creativity and passion of the Touhou Project fan community. It has left a significant mark on both the Touhou fandom and internet culture as a whole.