Penguin Highway, directed by Hiroyasu Ishida and based on a book by Tomihiko Morimi, is a fun and mysterious anime film from 2018. It shows the story of a smart and curious fourth-grader named Aoyama who discovers something very strange—penguins suddenly appearing in his quiet town.
Driven by his love for science and a desire to understand everything around him, Aoyama decides to investigate this odd event. What he finds out is surprising and connects him to a woman he calls Onee-san, who might know more about the mystery than she lets on.
Story and Themes
The film follows Aoyama as he tries to solve the penguin mystery using science and his clever mind. The woman, Onee-san, is friendly, but she also has a strange and magical side that fascinates Aoyama. She represents the adult world, which he’s curious about but doesn’t fully understand yet. The story is about more than just penguins; it’s about the excitement of learning, the mysteries of growing up, and how there are some things that don’t always make sense, no matter how hard you try to explain them.
Animation and Visuals
The artwork in Penguin Highway is vibrant and beautiful. Studio Colorido, the animation studio, creates scenes filled with bright colors and stunning details that bring Aoyama’s world to life. The town feels like a peaceful, sunny place, and the penguins are drawn in a cute and lively way, making the movie feel magical. The film’s style is both gentle and playful, which fits the story’s mix of wonder and mystery.
Music and Voice Acting
The music in Penguin Highway adds a lot to the movie’s mood. Umitaro Abe’s soundtrack matches the adventurous and sometimes mysterious feel of the story, helping viewers feel Aoyama’s excitement as he uncovers new clues. The Japanese voice actors do a great job bringing the characters to life, especially Kana Kita as Aoyama and Yu Aoi as Onee-san. Aoyama’s voice captures his youthful curiosity and determination, while Onee-san’s voice is warm yet mysterious, making her character even more intriguing.
My Thoughts
Watching Penguin Highway left a strong impression on me. I expected a simple, fun story, but it was much deeper. Aoyama’s curiosity and determination reminded me of how we all question things as kids. His journey shows the joy of learning and the thrill of discovery, even when answers don’t always come easily.
The film does an excellent job of showing that sometimes, things in life don’t have clear explanations—and that’s okay. It’s a story that asks us to appreciate the wonders of the unknown. For anyone who likes a fun, heartwarming movie that mixes reality with a little magic, I recommend Penguin Highway. It’s a memorable anime that left me feeling curious and a bit nostalgic, like I was seeing the world through a child’s eyes again.
