Japan’s Beloved Baby Monkey Punch Gets His Own Official Book Following His Remarkable Journey
Image by Charlotte DavisJapan’s viral baby monkey Punch is getting his own official book, documenting his journey from being raised by zookeepers with a stuffed orangutan to becoming one of the internet’s most beloved animals.
Published by Gakken with the full cooperation of Ichikawa City Zoo, “Ganbare Punch: Kozaru no Seicho Monogatari,” roughly translated as “Go, Punch! The Story of a Young Monkey’s Growth,” combines previously unpublished photographs, illustrations, and firsthand accounts from his caretakers.
Punch, a Japanese macaque born at the zoo in Chiba Prefecture in July 2025, became an international sensation after his mother was unable to care for him, leaving staff to raise him by hand.
Zookeepers introduced an orangutan plush toy, affectionately known as “Oran Mama,” to give him something to cling to for comfort, with videos of the tiny monkey carrying the oversized toy quickly spreading across social media.
His attempts to join the zoo’s established macaque troop attracted even more attention, as supporters around the world followed his progress from a vulnerable infant to a young monkey gradually learning to interact with others.
That sudden fame also created challenges for the zoo, with staff previously having to deal with two Americans entering the macaque enclosure as part of a reckless promotional stunt and a subsequent incident involving a laser pointer aimed toward the monkeys.
The new book offers a more personal look at Punch’s development, drawing on photographs and observations recorded by the people responsible for his care throughout his first year.
Its 48 pages include a collection of photographs selected from more than 10,000 images taken by zookeepers, including previously unpublished pictures showing Punch cuddling his stuffed companion, exploring his surroundings, and eventually playing with other macaques.
An illustrated story also follows his development from birth through his introduction to the monkey troop, using accounts from the zoo’s caretakers to explain the difficulties and milestones involved in raising him.
Alongside Punch’s individual story, the book contains an educational section examining Japanese macaques more generally, including their physical characteristics, daily routines and the social rules that govern life within a troop.
That material has been supervised by zoologist Tadaaki Imaizumi, helping make the book suitable for both younger readers discovering Punch’s story and adults interested in learning more about the animals.
The project was developed through cooperation between Gakken, Ichikawa City Zoo and Ichishin Holdings, with the publisher saying that copies will also be donated to school libraries and other educational institutions in Ichikawa.
Part of the book’s sales revenue will be donated to the city and its zoo, supporting a facility that has already received more than ¥70 million in donations following Punch’s rise to international fame.
Demand for the publication has already proven strong, with Gakken revealing that it increased the initial print run after pre-orders sold out at several online retailers and the book reached the top of Japanese online bookstore rankings.
The publisher has emphasized that the book is intended to help people better understand Punch and other Japanese macaques, while giving fans a chance to follow his development through photographs and stories that have not previously been shared publicly.
“Ganbare Punch: Kozaru no Seicho Monogatari” is scheduled for release in Japan on November 26, 2026, priced at ¥1,760 (approximately $11 / £8), with pre-orders already available through Japanese bookstores and the official Gakken publication page.
A digital edition is also planned, although an English-language edition of this particular book has not been announced.
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