We have a collection of 37 arrangements for ZUN - Bad Apple
What iconic franchise popularized "Bad Apple" through its fan culture? Learn!
ZUN is a Japanese game developer and composer known for his work on the Touhou Project, a series of bullet hell shooting games with a large and dedicated fanbase. The song "Bad Apple!!" is particularly famous within the Touhou community and has some interesting facts associated with it:
Composer and Arranger: ZUN, whose real name is Jun'ya Ota, composed the original version of "Bad Apple!!" for the 4th Touhou game titled "Lotus Land Story." The song was first introduced in 1998 as the stage 3 theme for the character Reimu Hakurei.
Popularity Explosion: "Bad Apple!!" gained widespread recognition and popularity when a fan-made music video was created using the song. The video featured a combination of stop-motion animation and visual effects. This video, created by an artist known as Alstroemeria Records, was uploaded to the Japanese video-sharing site Nico Nico Douga in 2009 and quickly went viral.
Cultural Impact: The "Bad Apple!!" video contributed significantly to the global spread of the Touhou Project's popularity. It became one of the most well-known Touhou-related videos and inspired numerous covers, remixes, and fan-made adaptations.
Different Versions: Due to its popularity, "Bad Apple!!" has been covered and remixed by many artists in various styles and languages, making it one of the most remixed songs in the Touhou Project. There are even metal, orchestral, and electronic versions of the song.
Lyrics in Many Languages: The original version of "Bad Apple!!" does not have lyrics. However, various fan-made adaptations and covers have added lyrics in different languages, further diversifying its appeal to a global audience.
Dance and Meme Culture: The "Bad Apple!!" video inspired many dance covers and meme adaptations. The characteristic dance moves seen in the video became a trend in the cosplay and dance community.
Concert Performances: "Bad Apple!!" has been performed at various Touhou-themed music concerts and events. ZUN himself has occasionally performed it on stage.
Legacy: Even years after its initial popularity spike, "Bad Apple!!" remains a symbol of the Touhou fandom and its creative community. It continues to be referenced and celebrated in various forms of media and fan art.
"Bad Apple!!" is a prime example of how fan-created content can elevate a piece of music from a niche game series into a cultural phenomenon, transcending language and borders. It showcases the creative potential and dedication of the Touhou Project's fanbase.