Pingu is a stop-motion stop-motion animation series set in Antarctica, depicting the comical daily life of Pingu, a little penguin boy, and his family and friends. It began as a test film created in 1980 by Swiss filmmaker Ottmar Gutmann, and has been broadcast as a TV series in over 155 countries and regions worldwide since 1990. Its adorable appearance and humorous interactions that bring a smile to your face continue to fascinate people even 45 years after its creation.
An interactive exhibition exploring the charm of Pingu, titled "More Than Just Cute!? Pingu Exhibition," is currently being held at the newly established YURAKUCHO MUSEUM on the first basement floor of the Tokyo International Forum in Yurakucho, Tokyo. The exhibition runs until September 6th, 2026 (Sunday).
Exterior view of YURAKUCHO MUSEUM
At the press preview held prior to the event, the main character Pingu, his sister Pinga, and Yurakucho Museum Director Mitsuyoshi Nakayama appeared on stage. When asked why they chose Pingu as the inaugural project for the museum, Director Nakayama cited "the unique international appeal of Pingu."
"Pingu has universal appeal, such as the rich expression of stop-motion animation made with clay and the heartwarming stories of family and friends, but it also has the unique characteristic of speaking its own language , 'Pingu language.' Children all over the world can watch the same videos and laugh together, transcending language barriers. As the start of our new museum, which has opened in the internationally diverse Tokyo International Forum, this is the perfect project. We hope you will discover the charm of Pingu, which is more than just cute," said Director Nakayama.
Pingu, Director Mitsuyoshi Nakayama, and Pinga promoted the event.
The theme of this exhibition is "Amusement Park." It is derived from the episode "Pingu's Amusement Park," which was being worked on by Goodman, who passed away in 1993 at the young age of 56 while filming. "Pingu's Amusement Park," which was left unfinished, was completed by Japanese animators Masashi Katto and others who were brought in to take over the production, and it became one of the most popular episodes representing the series. The theme is said to embody the desire to pass on the charm of "Pingu" to the next generation, mirroring that journey, and to further build excitement towards the 50th anniversary.
Venue photos, introduction
In a venue filled with familiar music and sounds, the event began with an introduction introducing the main characters and the history of the work.
The section showcasing production materials, including Polaroids with handwritten notes, storyboards, and filming process records left behind by Goodman, who was known for his meticulous nature, is a must-see. It's said that sometimes only three seconds of filming could be completed in a single day, as each frame was carefully brought to life. This truly conveys the patient and dedicated work unique to stop-motion animation.
Exhibition of venue photos and production materials.
Exhibition of venue photos and production materials.
This exhibition uses keywords such as "#Genius of Play" and "#Don't Sweat the Small Things" to highlight Pingu's "more than just cute" qualities. By incorporating clips from episodes related to these keywords, the exhibition conveys Pingu's personality and worldview, making it accessible even to newcomers.
Venue scenery
For example, the "#IfItDoesn'tExistMakeIt" exhibit showcases Pingu's creativity and initiative, showing how he doesn't give up when he can't get what he wants, but instead makes things himself using things around him. The monitors feature four episodes that include creative scenes: "Pingu's Ice Surfing," "Pingu's Trip to the Moon," "Pingu is a Pilot," and "Pingu's Ice Contest."
Another major attraction of this exhibition is the large number of valuable clay models that were actually used during filming . In the "#IfItDoesn'tExistLet'sMakeIt" exhibit, you can see clay models of Pingu, who looks pleased as he rides in a handmade airplane with Pinga in "Pingu is a Pilot."
A scene from the venue, a clay model from Series 4, Episode 13, "Pingu the Pilot" (1998).
You can enjoy the traces of handcrafted work and the unique texture of clay, such as faint fingerprints, uneven coloring, and chipped paint. In addition, there are clay models capturing dramatic (or perhaps hilarious) scenes, such as crying because you're scared of the hospital or getting spanked by your mom for being too mischievous, creating a lively atmosphere reminiscent of an amusement park. Combined with the venue's design based on blue and yellow, simply walking around the exhibits will naturally lift your spirits.
A scene from the venue, a clay model of the first episode of series 2, "Pingu and the Doctor" (1991).
A scene from the venue, a clay model from Series 2, Episode 16, "Pingu's Amusement Park" (1991).
Venue scene, clay model of Series 4, Episode 5 "Pingu's Cycling" (1998)
Venue scene, clay model of Series 5, Episode 5 "Pingu and the Wind" (2003)
Furthermore, Pingu is known for its unique expressions, such as extending and retracting its beak like a trumpet when the character says "NOOT! NOOT!", or blending in with the ground, all thanks to the claymation technique. The interactive exhibits that focus on these distinctive "movements" and "shapes," the rich "expressions" that convey a wide range of emotions, and the surprisingly communicative "voice" are the highlights of this exhibition.
Venue scenery, interactive exhibits
Venue scenery, interactive exhibits
The facility offers plenty of content that even young children can enjoy while moving their bodies, such as mechanisms that allow them to move Pingu characters on a monitor by turning or pulling, and a slot game where special effects are shown when Pingu's expressions or icons are matched. Among them, the machine that instantly translates spoken words into Pingu language attracted particular attention. Adults were also captivated, as it made them feel as if they were residents of the world of Pingu themselves.
Venue scenery, Pingu language converter
The venue scenery and the Pingu balloon make for a great photo spot.
Furthermore, in the final area, where a giant Pingu balloon greets visitors, there is a "Pingu Dance" corner where visitors can gather and enjoy themselves together .
The premise is "Learn Pingu's movements and dance along to the rhythm," but as the song progresses, the choreography becomes faster-paced and more complex, eventually leading to an impossible-to-replicate stage… At the finish, Pingu even makes a funny face as if to provoke us, and his mischievousness made me laugh. It really makes you realize once again that the slightly surreal and unpredictable humor hidden beneath the cuteness is the true essence of "Pingu." Be sure to check out the whole thing at the venue.
Scenes from the venue, the "Pingu Dance" corner
Exhibition venue photos, and collaborative works with miniature photographer and artist Tatsuya Tanaka.
Exhibition of venue photos and printed materials.
The YURAKUCHO MUSEUM is divided into two sections, one large and one small. The smaller gallery houses a gift shop, offering over 100 limited-edition items that can only be purchased at this exhibition.
merchandise shop
"FOOD Mascot PINGU™" 2,420 yen each
Hair comb: 2,310 yen
Of particular interest are the "Flake Sticker Buffet (with clear pouch)" (1,650 yen), which allows you to enjoy a customization experience by choosing your own parts, and the "Custom Keyboard Keychain" series (keyboards 440 yen each / chain 110 yen). You can choose the expressions and appearances of your favorite Pingu characters that you encountered at the exhibition, so why not pick one up as a memento of your visit?
"Flake Sticker Viking (with clear pouch)" 1,650 yen, customization example
From November 21, 2026 (Saturday) to January 11, 2027 (Monday/National Holiday), the exhibition is also scheduled to tour to the Fukuoka City Science Museum. Whether you're experiencing the world of Pingu for the first time or want to reminisce about fond memories, you're sure to discover charms you've never noticed before. Experience the world of Pingu, which cannot be fully described by just "cute," in Yurakucho this summer.
"More Than Just Cute!? Pingu Exhibition" Overview
Exhibition Period: July 10, 2026 (Fri) – September 6, 2026 (Sun) *Open every day during the exhibition period Venue: YURAKUCHO MUSEUM
Tokyo International Forum, B1F, 3-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. Opening hours: 10:00 – 19:30 (last entry 19:00)
Weekends and public holidays, and August 10th (Mon) – 14th (Fri): 10:00 – 21:00 (last entry 20:30)
Ticket prices (tax included): General admission/University students 2,200 yen, Junior/Senior high school students 1,650 yen, Elementary school students 550 yen. *Preschool children are free (accompanied by a guardian).
*For further details, please check the exhibition's official website, etc.
Organizer/Planner: Sony Creative Products Official URL:
▼ "Not Just Cute!? Pingu Exhibition" Official Website
https://pingu-exhibit26.jp
▼ "Not Just Cute!? Pingu Exhibition" Official Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/pingu_exhibit26/
▼ "Not Just Cute!? Pingu Exhibition" Official X
https://x.com/pingu_exhibit26
▼Pingu Official Website https://www.pingu.jp/
▼Pingu Official Instagram (@pingu_jp) https://www.instagram.com/pingu_jp/
▼Pingu Official X (@pingu_jpn) https://x.com/pingu_jpn
▼Pingu Official YouTube (@Pingu) https://www.youtube.com/@Pingu
©2026 JOKER.
<Related articles from the past>
[Report] Unraveling the café culture that nurtured modern art. "Artists Gathering in 'Cafes' – From Impressionists to Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Picasso" is being held at the Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum.