Does it taste as bittersweet as unrequited love?
A few weeks ago we first met Grape-kun, the elderly male penguin that fell hopelessly in love with a cardboard cutout of an anime girl penguin placed inside his pen. Back then it seemed like bad news was coming as Grape-kun had been isolated from the cutout since he refused to do anything except stare at it all day, including eating.
But now it seems that Grape-kun has realized the unfortunate fact that all of us otaku must come to grips with at some point: we cannot survive on anime alone. He’s eating again, and the zoo has fully embraced his cardboard crush.
Every few days the Toho Zoo’s official Twitter account sends out another announcement about Grape-kun and his cutout love Hululu.
▼ “Grape-kun is excited for Ikuko Chikutai
(Hululu’s voice actress) coming to visit on May 20.”
グレープ君も5月20日の築田行子さんのご来園を楽しみにしているかもしれませんね。https://t.co/yfYuxon4Td#けものフレンズ #東武動物公園 pic.twitter.com/er4iUVBjHr
— 東武動物公園【公式】リュウくん (@tobuzoo7) May 16, 2017
And one other place that the Toho Zoo is promoting Grape-kun is offline… inside their gift shop!
▼ “Toho Zoo is really pushing Grape-kun.”
https://twitter.com/wagurumarika/status/865764440494325761▼ A rack selling penguin stickers with picture of Grape-kun all over.
▼ The limited edition “Loving Grape” drink,
made with crushed grape jelly and soft cream.
▼ At only 400 yen (US$3.50), it’s love at quite a bargain!
The “Loving Grape” drink is the perfect embodiment of Grape-kun and Hululu’s relationship. The white and deep purple colors mix together beautifully, yet the ice cream make you feel cold, reminding you as you eat/drink it of the two penguin souls that yearn to be together, but alas, must remain in separate dimensions.
The drink has stirred up interested online, here’s how Japanese netizens reacted:
“Yeah, ‘crushed jelly’ describes my love life too.”
“Seems he’s become the new mascot for the park.”
“They should just show Grape-kun an episode of her anime.”
“I am going to that zoo tomorrow just to get this.”
We have a feeling this isn’t the last we’ve heard of Grape-kun, considering just how notoriously lovey-dovey some penguins can be.
Source: Twitter/@wagurumarika via My Game News Flash
Images: Twitter/@wagurumarika
Japanese zoo penguin falls in love with cutout of cute anime penguin girl
Japanese zoo will let anime-loving penguin keep his 2-D wife for the indefinite future
Japan’s anime-loving penguin Grape-kun passes away at Tobu Zoo
Heartbroken visitors leave tributes to Japan’s anime-loving penguin Grape-kun at new memorial
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese bento shop touches hearts by selling super cheap boxed lunches for around a dollar
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removal
Reinvented traditional Japanese hearths may be coming to a restaurant near you
Japan’s Pokémon Slowpoke Train goes on hiatus, but a mini version could be yours to own
Abandoned pirate pleasure ship sinking south of Tokyo Bay, city orders destruction
These rare eggs cost more than a typical meal in Japan but are they really that special?
When is miso ramen not miso ramen? When it’s the new ramen at one of Japan’s top beef bowl chains
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
East Japan Railway announces plans to abolish magnetic-strip tickets
New Square Enix Cafe reveals Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Nier, and Fullmetal Alchemist menu items
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
Japan’s cheap beef bowl chain goes upscale with Matsuya Premium, but is it worth the higher price?
Family Mart commits “reverse fraud” in new Giant All-Star Festival, and we couldn’t be happier
7-Eleven Japan joins the craze for Korean Gamja Cheese Balls
Shakey’s Japan creates matcha mochi, Kyoto fish, and Kansai Chili Con Carne pizzas
Anne Hathaway creates PR frenzy in Japan after mentioning Tottori in Devil Wears Prada interview
7-Eleven Japan has a new Creamy Iced Cafe Latte that’s a hit on social media
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Home of Japan’s anime-loving penguin has new tie-up event, may create another animal otaku
Baby penguin seeing sakura for the first time is all of us during hanami season 【Video】
Another otaku bird? Hayao Miyazaki-loving cockatiel in Japan sings Studio Ghibli cover【Vid】