Tsuchika Nishimura

So, Tsuchika Nishimura’s “The Concierge at Hokkyoku Department Store” (2023) is one of those offbeat animated gems that sneaks up on you. The story unfolds inside this massive, super-fancy department store way up in the frozen north—yeah, we’re talking full-on Arctic vibes. But here’s the kicker: the customers aren’t people. Nope, they’re animals. Not just any animals, either—think talking penguins in tuxedos, stoic bears with a taste for luxury, and even some ancient extinct species dropping by to shop. Honestly, it’s like if Wes Anderson made Zootopia but with even more charm and weirdness. The protagonist, Akino, is this rookie concierge just trying not to screw up her first job. She’s nervous, a bit awkward, and thrown into the deep end dealing with these high-maintenance animal clients who want everything from rare scarves to existential advice. There’s a lot of dry humor and sly commentary about customer service, all wrapped up in these surreal, beautifully animated sequences. The movie doesn’t just show you quirky animal antics, either—it gets weirdly deep, poking at what it means to serve others, the loneliness of working life, and the bizarre ways people (or, well, animals) search for happiness. Tsuchika Nishimura balances the whimsy and melancholy so well, you’ll laugh at a seal demanding caviar one minute and get hit with a surprisingly poignant moment the next. The whole thing is visually stunning, with this pastel, dreamy art style that makes even a department store feel magical. If you’re into offbeat stories with heart and a dash of absurdity, this one’s totally worth it.