Even with that sorrowful expression, Punch-kun shows us what real courage and strength truly look like.

Move over, Moo Deng! The internet’s latest animal craze has arrived. With the Thai pygmy hippo’s viral fame beginning to cool, Japan has stepped into the limelight with Punch (lovingly called Punch-kun), a Japanese macaque from the Ichikawa City Zoo.

Born in July 2025, Punch-kun was named after the mangaka Monkey Punch, whose series Lupin the Third enjoys widespread acclaim. It’s a playful reference that fans of the manga would quickly catch. Although he was rejected by his mother early on, Punch-kun was given a fresh start thanks to two attentive caretakers who nurtured and raised him with care. 

In various heartwarming clips, he’s seen tightly clinging to his caretaker’s leg or enjoying private moments with his IKEA orangutan plush toy.

Punch-kun’s adorable face carries a touch of melancholy, and there’s a gentle sadness in his eyes, an almost forlorn look that has drawn the attention and sympathy of audiences everywhere.

But his overnight fame might be about more than just cuteness. The way Punch-kun navigates the world hints at something deeper, maybe even a few life lessons we can all take to heart.

1/3 Too Small to Break 

Punch-kun is often seen being pushed around by older macaques, sometimes even dragged as he tries to join them. It’s a harsh reminder of how difficult it can be to fit in when others refuse to accept you. Ostracisation isn’t just a human experience. Yet despite it all, Punch-kun shows a resilience that feels far beyond his years, an old soul weathering rough treatment with surprising strength. It’s heartbreaking to watch, but that inner toughness is also deeply admirable.

2/3 Alone, But Not Defeated

The stuffed orangutan toy he carries everywhere, dubbed Oran-Mama by netizens, is more than a comfort object; it fills the space left by a mother who had no desire to raise him. The zoo staff introduced the plushie to help Punch-kun build his social skills and feel less isolated. But somehow, the toy only highlights the independence he’s been forced into. 

To fans, it’s Punch-kun against the world. Given the lack of a maternal presence in his life, one might be curious how Sigmund Freud, the pioneer of psychoanalysis, would interpret the situation. It’s remarkable to watch his sense of independence grow in real time.

3/3 Brave Anyway

The word “courage” has lost some of its weight in modern times, often used for minor accomplishments. Yet what Punch-kun shows is something far more profound. Even when reprimanded by his troop, he holds his composure, his eyes betraying no fear. His recent first embrace feels symbolic, a quiet victory proving that his bravery has begun to bear fruit. 

We are all rooting for him. 

We are all Punch-kun.