Pac-Man Marks 45th Anniversary With a Dream Conversation With Sonic Two Iconic Characters Reflect on Their Journeys Across Generations
A Message About Being Yourself for Generation Z

From left: Sonic, Pac-Man (Photo by Yoshio Katayama ©oricon ME inc.)
ーーEven when things are tough, what keeps you both moving forward and taking on challenges?
Pac-Man
I never really thought about it. I just kept eating the cookies in front of me, and before I knew it, I’d come this far. Finding fruit or power cookies made me happy, and maybe that’s why I kept going. Not giving up is important.
Sonic
I just want to have fun. When something smells interesting, I can’t help but run toward it. Plus, I’ve got plenty of friends who push me forward or jump in with me. There’s no reason to stop.
ーーYou are both very unique characters. What does “being yourself” mean to you?
Pac-Man
Being myself… maybe it’s this smile that makes people happy. Always being energetic and happy, and eating everything in sight. Those might be the things that make people feel close to me.
Sonic
I don’t run for anyone else, and I don’t want to be bound by someone else’s rules. I follow my heart and go where I want. No pretending, just being free and true to myself. That’s what being myself means.

From left: Sonic, Pac-Man (Photo by Yoshio Katayama ©oricon ME inc.)
ーーYou are both popular with Generation Z, who value self acceptance over comparing themselves to others. What advice would you give them about expressing their individuality?
Sonic
I don’t really know much about Generation Z, but I think it’s important to focus on what excites you. Don’t compare yourself to others. Trust your instincts and move forward. If you get lost, don’t look for the right answer. Run toward what seems fun. Repeating that process is how your individuality takes shape.
ーーPac-Man, how about you?
Pac-Man
It’s a little tricky, but maybe everyone should just be themselves. Blinky, Inky, Pinky, and Clyde all have totally different personalities, and that’s what makes them charming. Their mischievous side can be a bit troublesome though.

Pac-Man (Photo by Yoshio Katayama ©oricon ME inc.)
Cheering for Others Is a Happy Thing
ーーAmong Generation Z, there is a culture called “oshi katsu,” supporting your favorite person or character. What do you think about that?
Pac-Man
Oshi katsu? Supporting someone? Wow. That makes me really happy. I think it’s wonderful that everyone can support each other. Cheering for someone is such a happy thing.
Sonic
Wow, that’s an interesting culture. If someone feels energized or motivated because of me, that’s not a bad feeling at all. Thanks. If my running becomes a tailwind that pushes someone forward, that’s the best.
ーーLastly, please send a message to each other.
Pac-Man
Listening to Sonic’s adventure stories is always so fun, and I want to hear many more in the future. So please keep running as only Sonic can. Let’s both keep enjoying the future and definitely play together again.
Sonic
Keep moving forward the Pac-Man way, staying positive and chomping along. If we both keep running our own paths to the fullest, I’m sure they’ll cross again someday. Until then, let’s keep having the best adventures possible. See you.

From left: Sonic, Pac-Man (Photo by Yoshio Katayama ©oricon ME inc.)
Source : ORICON NEWS