Penguindrum (2011)
A surreal, symbol-laden anime odyssey about fate, family, and the desperate lengths two brothers will go to save the sister they love.
Penguindrum - Series Information
- Original Title: 輪るピングドラム
- First Air Year: 2011
- Last Air Year: 2011
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 24 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 24
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese, English
- First Air Date: July 3, 2011 (United States - TV-14), July 3, 2011 (United Kingdom - 18), July 3, 2011 (France - 12), July 3, 2011 (Australia - M)
- Networks: MBS
- Alternative Titles: 转吧企鹅鼓 (CN), Spinning Penguindrum (US), Mawaru Penguindrum (MX), Mawaru Penguindrum (JP), Mawaru Penguindrum (ES)
- Production Companies: Brain's Base
- Production Countries: Japan
Penguindrum - Plot
A terminally ill girl named Himari Takakura is miraculously saved from death by a strange spirit who resides in a penguin-shaped hat. However, in exchange for extending her life, the spirit tasks Himari's brothers, Kanba and Shōma, to seek out an elusive item known as the Penguin Drum with assistance from a trio of strange penguins.
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Penguindrum - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Marie Miyake
- Subaru Kimura
- Ryohei Kimura
- Miho Arakawa
- Akira Ishida
- Mamiko Noto
- Yui Horie
- Yutaka Koizumi
- Megumi Iwasaki
- Motoki Takagi
Writers
- Kunihiko Ikuhara
- Takayo Ikami
- Shingo Kaneko
- Tomohiro Furukawa
Penguindrum - FAQs
What is the Penguin Drum in Penguindrum?
The Penguin Drum is a mysterious, never-clearly-defined object that the spirit inhabiting Himari's penguin hat demands her brothers find. It functions as a MacGuffin driving the plot, but the series ultimately reveals it as a metaphor for love, sacrifice, and the transfer of fate between people.
What does the apple symbolize in Penguindrum?
Apples in Penguindrum represent fate, love, and the sharing of destiny. Inspired by the biblical and fairy-tale symbolism of the apple, the series uses it to illustrate how characters exchange their life force and fate with one another, echoing themes of sacrifice and interconnected existence.
Where can you stream Penguindrum online?
Penguindrum is available to stream on select platforms. You can check current streaming availability in your region by visiting JustWatch ↗, which lists all services currently offering the series, including subscription, rental, and purchase options.
Is Penguindrum based on a true story?
Penguindrum is not based on a true story, but it draws heavily on the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin attack carried out by the Aum Shinrikyo cult. Director Kunihiko Ikuhara weaves this real historical trauma into the series' themes of terrorism, broken families, and inherited fate.
Who are the main voice actors in Penguindrum?
The principal voice cast includes Marie Miyake as Ringo Oginome, Subaru Kimura as Kanba Takakura, Ryohei Kimura as Shoma Takakura, Miho Arakawa as Himari Takakura, Akira Ishida as Keiju Tabuki, Mamiko Noto as Yuri Tokikago, and Yui Horie as Masako Natsume.
How many episodes does Penguindrum have?
Penguindrum consists of 24 episodes across a single season. The series aired from July 3, 2011, to December 25, 2011, on MBS in Japan. Each episode runs approximately 24 minutes, making the complete series roughly nine and a half hours of content.
Who directed and created Penguindrum?
Penguindrum was directed and conceived by Kunihiko Ikuhara, the visionary anime creator also known for Revolutionary Girl Utena and Sailor Moon. The series was produced by Brain's Base and is widely regarded as one of Ikuhara's most ambitious and symbolically dense works.
How was Penguindrum received by critics and audiences?
Penguindrum earned strong critical praise for its surreal storytelling, rich symbolism, and emotional depth. Critics highlighted its bold visual style and thematic complexity. It holds a high rating on IMDb and is frequently cited among the most intellectually rewarding anime series of the 2010s.
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