Asahiyama Zoo in Hokkaido is one of the most popular zoos in Japan. One of the most popular winter attractions is the penguins walking energetically through the snow, which attracts many visitors. At Asahiyama Zoo, a certain snow art that will make you smile has become a hot topic on social media. The clear imprints of a penguin's body left in the snow are called "pen taku." We will introduce this heartwarming and soothing sight.

The photo shows the clear imprint of a penguin's body in the fluffy new snow. It looks as if it has stretched its little body as far as it can and jumped into the snow with a "puff." This photo has received comments on social media such as "It's so cute!" and "I can just picture it having fun."

A "pen print" made by a lively baby penguin

Dive straight into the fluffy snow!

This photo was taken by Shirasaki, a penguin lover. He took it on January 2, 2026, during a visit to Asahiyama Zoo, after the popular winter event, "Penguin Walk." After finishing its walk, the penguin threw itself onto the fresh snow, leaving a clear mark. When Shirasaki saw this, he felt it was "not just a fish print, but a pen print."

According to Shirasaki, the "pen print" was left by a baby gentoo penguin (sub-adult) born last year. He was so energetic that he "went ahead and joined the other penguins on their walks."

If you visit Asahiyama Zoo in the winter, you might be able to see this "pen taku" (ink print). Be sure to look for it!