
Penguins are, without a doubt, one of the cutest animals in the world. This is not a statement that many people would even think to argue with–it’s as close to an obvious truth as you can get without breaking out the math! But we may have found a way to up the cuteness quotient for penguins from just “exceptionally cute” to “brain-asplodey cute.”
How? Simple: Set them jogging after their (human) crush!
▼ “Hey! Wait for me!”
Meet Sakura-chan, a female cape penguin who lives at Matsue Vogel Park in Shimane Prefecture, Japan. The park is an expansive indoor garden–one of the largest in the world–featuring numerous types of flowers and birds from all over the planet.
But let’s cut to the chase–you’re not here for the park. You’re here for the cute penguin!
▼ “No, Sakura, I have to work!”
In a post on the park’s official blog, readers were introduced to the adorable penguin–and learned a little secret perfect for Valentine’s Day. You see, Sakura-chan has been struck by Cupid’s arrow–but her beau isn’t of the avian type. No, her love crosses every biological boundary we can imagine. You see, this little cutie is head-over-heels for…one of the human staff members! She’s so smitten with the caretaker that she can’t bear to be away from him and will scuttle after the worker even when he tries to run away.
▼ “I just want you to loooooooove me!”
▼ “Awww…I can’t say no to you!”
In a top ten list of cutest things in the world, human-chasing, love-lorn penguins would surely be very near the top spot. But don’t take our word for it. Check out all the romantic action in the video below!
According to the penguin’s reluctant lover, as fast as Sakura-chan is in the video, she can apparently run even faster! Which makes her at least twice as fast as this writer…
So how about our human readers? Will you be chasing any (hopefully not reluctant) lovers this Friday? If so, be sure to flap as you waddle–that seems to help with balance.
Sources: Matsue Vogel Park blog via Pleated Jeans, YouTube
Images: Matsue Vogel Park blog





Baby penguin seeing sakura for the first time is all of us during hanami season 【Video】
Japanese zoo penguin falls in love with cutout of cute anime penguin girl
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Police in Japan looking for who’s responsible for dumping 80 loaves of bread on side of road [Video]
Nike x One Piece collection brings Devil Fruits to sneakers and streetwear in Japan
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Data suggests increased bear sightings have led to a decrease in mountain climbers across Japan
Ministop brings bulked up Okinawan-style rice balls to mainland Japan for one week only
Nephew of Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki serves up Totoro Shaved Ice in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan adds new Customisation Bar to stores, with free ways to hack your food and drink orders
Amid foreign sex tourist rise, Japanese government considering outlawing paying for prostitution
Pikachu and other Pokémon evolve into hydration types with Thermos drinkware collaboration [Pics]
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Studio Ghibli unveils new interactive stationery dioramas that bring anime movies to life on your desk
Anime fans can now wear a Seiko watch inspired by Japan’s One Piece Shinkansen
7-Eleven Japan brings back best-selling flat croissant that became a hit on social media
Studio Ghibli composer Jo Hisaishi just set three Guinness Records
Foreign hiker on Mt. Fuji loses consciousness and dies, becoming climbing season’s second fatality
We recommend not buying one pack of Japan’s new convenience store corn soup-flavor fried chicken
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
Tokyo’s newest viral dessert is like a Japanese parfait inside a bread bun [Taste test]
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japanese vending machine sells freshly squeezed lemon juice with a futuristic light show
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】