Ichiko Aoba will release her new digital single “Sayonara Penguin” on July 3, marking her first new music since her 2025 album Luminescent Creatures.
The song, inspired by Aoba’s imaginary friend “Penguin,” has become a staple of her live performances around the world. For the studio recording, Aoba also performs the penguin’s choral parts herself.
A music video directed by Koichiro Tsujikawa will premiere on Aoba’s official YouTube channel alongside the single’s release, with a teaser already available via her social media.
Also announced is a reissue of Aoba’s 2021 album Windswept Adan on eco-vinyl made from recycled record material. Previously out of print, the new pressing includes both Japanese and English lyrics in the booklet. Pre-orders opened on June 29 through Aoba’s official website, and copies will also be available at her July 2 solo concert at NHK Hall.
“Sayonara Penguin”
— ICHIKO AOBA (@ichikoaoba) June 29, 2026
Official Music Video
Planning & Original Concept: Ichiko Aoba
Director: Koichiro Tsujikawa (GLASSLOFT)
Starting at 12:00 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2026
The full music video will
🐧
🔗https://t.co/i3biad8dvn pic.twitter.com/AvDQQfvdVZ
Ichiko Aoba “Sayonara Penguin”
“Sayonara Penguin”
Digital release: July 3, 2026
Recording, Mixing & Mastering: Toshihiko Kasai
Cover Artwork: Ichiko Aoba
“Sayonara Penguin” Music Video Credits
Planning & Original Concept: Ichiko Aoba
Director: Koichiro Tsujikawa (GLASSLOFT)
CG Producer: Yoshifumi Sadahara (MARK)
CG Production Manager: Shohei Yoshikawa (MARK)
CG Director: Munetsune Indo (MARK)
CG Animator: Yuki Watanabe (MARK)
CG Animator: Masato Imai (MARK)
CG Scan Technician: Yohei Tokunaga (MARK)
Online Editor: Jin Kimura (CONNECTION)
Color Grading: Yoshinobu Yoshida (GLASSLOFT)
Color Grading: Noriaki Ishii (Kokibun)
Puppet Maker: Shuhei Harada (dwarf)
Producer: Sanae Asano (GLASSLOFT)
Producer: Kenichi Yano (Container)
Production Manager: Nanako Nakazawa (Container)
