A fourth-grade student investigates when penguins appear in his town. When he discovers that the arrival of the penguins is somehow related to a mysterious young woman from his dentist’s office, they team up for an unforgettable summer adventure. An animated film by Hiroyasu Ishida.

Penguin Highway is an anime film based on the 2010 Japanese science fiction novel “ペンギン・ハイウェイ” by Tomihiko Morimi (森見登美彦). The novel received the Nihon SF Taisho Award (日本SF大賞), a prestigious Japanese science fiction award bestowed upon exceptional works in various mediums, including novels, manga, films, and anime, since 1980.

Nestled amidst the tranquility of a quaint Japanese town, an extraordinary phenomenon unfolds: a flock of penguins appears without warning. Their unexpected arrival ignites a wave of bewilderment among the townsfolk, particularly a curious young boy named Aoyama (アオヤマ君).

Intrigued by the enigmas surrounding their presence, Aoyama, 4th grade boy who loves science, observes the penguins’ peculiar behavior, noting that they seem to be drawn towards a specific path that leads into the depths of the nearby woods. Driven by an insatiable curiosity, he enlists the aid of his steadfast friend Uchida, embarking on a quest to unravel the penguins’ perplexing mystery.

Their investigation encompasses uncovering the penguins’ origins, attempting to decipher the mechanisms that enable their survival in an environment so far from their natural habitat, and locating their hiding place during daytime.

Their pursuit of answers deepens as they uncover a labyrinth of mystery surrounding the penguins. They discover that these penguins possess an uncanny ability to thrive without the sustenance of food or water, a phenomenon that defies all known biological principles. Eventually, Aoyama formulates a groundbreaking hypothesis that unlocks the secrets of penguin creation. Aoyama also discerns an inexplicable connection between these extraordinary events and a mysterious woman (お姉さん) who works as a dental assistant at the dental office.

As Aoyama’s pursuit of the penguin enigma deepens, another mystery surfaces, casting an air of intrigue over their investigation. His classmate Hamamoto (ハマモトさん) approaches him, seeking his assistance in a research project centered around an mysterious sphere discovered within the depths of the woods. With a sense of gravity and urgency, she implores Aoyama to maintain utmost secrecy and avoid disclosing their findings to their fellow students or adults.

Aoyama’s mind races as he connects the dots between the sphere, the appearance of penguins, and the dental assistant. He intuits that these seemingly disparate phenomena are inextricably linked. It becomes increasingly evident that this extraordinary puzzle transcends the grasp of mere children, demanding a level of insight and understanding that lies far beyond their years.

Penguin Highway stands out as an exemplary anime, captivating viewers with its engrossing narrative, visually stunning imagery, and enchanting musical score composed by Umitaro Abe (部海太郎). The story unfolds with an irresistible allure, keeping the audience perpetually engaged, eager to unravel the unfolding mysteries. The climactic finale delivers a truly remarkable spectacle, leaving a lasting impression with its sheer brilliance and entertainment value.

The film’s theme song “Good Night” written and performed by Utada Hikaru (宇多田ヒカル)

Penguin Highway was theatrically released in Japan on 17 August 2018. The has garnered critical acclaim, receiving the Excellence Award in the animation category at the 22nd Japan Media Arts Festival and the Axis: The Satoshi Kon Award for Excellence in Animation award at Fantasia International Film Festival for best animated feature..