Ippei the Penguin debuted exclusively as an additional animal mascot in the 1998 anime adaptation of *Himitsu no Akko-chan*. He functions as a companion to the existing animal characters Shippona (Akko's cat) and Dora (Taisho's cat). This penguin character's inclusion serves to introduce another comedic or supportive animal figure within the series' ensemble. His presence remains limited to the 1998 television series.