Gyokou no Nikuko-chan  Play Trailer

Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko, 漁港の肉子ちゃん, Nikuko of the Fishing Harbor, La fortuna di Nikuko, La chance sourit à madame Nikuko

Nikuko Misuji, commonly referred to as "Nikuko-chan," is a well-known figure in her small northern town due to her cheerful demeanor at the grill. After spending most of her life traveling from man to man and place to place, she has finally found a permanent home on a houseboat in the bay with her daughter, also named Kikuko. Despite their different personalities-Nikuko-chan being bold and outgoing while Kikuko is reserved and shy-together they strive to find their way in the world. Nikuko-chans spirited nature guides her towards her goals with ease, but for Kikuko, who often feels embarrassed by her mothers antics, each day can be monotonous and uninspiring. During her adolescence, Kikuko faces many challenges, including navigating the drama of middle school and solving the mystery surrounding her enigmatic classmate Ninomiya.

Gyokou no Nikuko-chan premiered internationally at the 45th Annecy International Animation Film Festival. The film was also screened at the Fantasia International Film Festival on August 22, 2021, where it won the Satoshi Kon Award for Excellence in Animation.In October 2021, the film won the Korean Society of Cartoon and Animation Studies Presidents Prize at the Bucheon International Animation Film Festival. In the same month, it won the Jury Award at the Scotland Loves Animation Film Festival. The film was awarded the Animation Film Award at the 46th Hochi Film Awards in December 2021. In March 2022, the movie was nominated for the Best Animated Feature Film Award at the 45th Japan Academy Film Prize as well as the Annie Award for Best Indie Feature at the 49th Annual Annie Awards. Later that month, the film won the Excellence Award at the 25h Japan Media Arts Festival.Gyoukou no Nikuko-chan was licensed by GKIDS and received an American theatrical release as Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko on June 2, 2022. It was shown along with a screening of the television show Deji Meets Girl. The company published the film on Blu-ray and DVD on July 19, 2022.