Pac-Man celebrates his 45th anniversary with a dream conversation alongside Sonic. Two iconic characters who have raced through the Shōwa and Reiwa eras reflect on their “lives”:“You never know what’s going to happen, and that’s what makes it interesting.”

Pac-Man, who celebrates his 45th anniversary this year, and Sonic, who will mark his 35th anniversary next year. Born in Japan, these characters have been loved around the world beyond the realm of games, appearing in movies, anime, fashion items, and merchandise.

This time, the two who have been running nonstop for decades sit down for a conversation in the real world. What is the relationship between them? What are their respective charms and their “life stories”? We bring you part of this rare dialogue between the two, who are also collaborating in a new game, with some interpretation provided along the way.

[Rare Photos] The two chatting through an interpreter… plus a look at Pac-Man and Sonic running through a maze together in perfect harmony.

◆ The two have actually been close friends for a long time, with memories of receiving letters and presents from Sonic

Pac-Man, with his round yellow body, happily munches on anything. Since his birth as an arcade game in 1980, he has become widely recognized around the world. As an IP that actively collaborates not only with other characters but also with brands such as beautiful people and Converse, he is loved by people beyond just game fans and has gained popularity as a fashion icon as well.

On the other hand, Sonic, the hedgehog who runs at the speed of sound, first appeared in the 1991 game Sonic the Hedgehog and has since been beloved both in Japan and overseas. He has also been active as an IP through collaborations with Mario, Hello Kitty, LEGO, Puma, and others. These two are now collaborating in the latest games Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac (Bandai Namco Entertainment) and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds (SEGA).

―― First of all, Pac-Man, congratulations on your 45th anniversary! I don’t think this kind of concept exists in Sonic’s world, but in the human world it’s a time of celebration. Sonic, a few words!

Sonic:
Great, that’s amazing! I don’t really get things like “how many years,” but it means you’ve been running nonstop for a really long time, right? Pac-Man has always been energetic and happy, making everyone feel brighter, so I want to sincerely say “congratulations.”

Pac-Man:
Waka Waka Waka…

―― Right… we’ll have an interpreter step in for Pac-Man’s comments.

Pac-Man:
Thank you, Sonic, always! I’m really happy that we get to play games together like this, and that I get to eat lots of food too! I’ll keep living happily and energetically from now on. And let’s keep making everyone feel cheerful together!

―― We hear that you’ve actually been close friends for a long time. How well do you know each other?

Pac-Man:
That’s right, Sonic and I have been friends for a long time. It’s not about when we first met, but recently, in the world of Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac, Sonic sent me a letter and some presents. There were three new collaboration stages, collaboration outfits… he gave me so many gifts, and the moment I got them, I couldn’t stop feeling excited, thinking, “Alright, let’s jump into even more new worlds!” I really thought, “That’s so like Sonic,” giving such amazing presents!

Sonic:
Back then, we ran together in Pac-Land and took down Eggman, and it was an absolute blast! To be honest, I didn’t expect Pac-Man to be able to run that fast, so he surprised me in a good way. Pac-Man just loves eating, and the way he munches through any tough situation is incredibly cool. Our styles are different, but maybe we’re similar in how we try to enjoy things no matter what situation we’re in.

◆ A life of moving through mazes vs. a life of running straight through…
“When you come across something fun, that feeling of excitement makes me happiest!” (Pac-Man)

―― What do you find appealing about each other?

[Pac-Man]
Sonic really is fast, isn’t he! I’m confident when it comes to escaping since I’m chased by ghosts every day, but even so, I can’t beat Sonic. So just recently, while getting advice from Sonic, I was thinking about how I could shorten my running time. From now on, I want to practice and be able to run as fast as Sonic. But after all, I think his biggest appeal is how brave and kind he is.

[Sonic]
Thanks! Pac-Man is stylish. You can tell who he is instantly just by seeing that yellow, round silhouette. And those red boots. The fact that they’re the same color as my shoes is a point that makes me a little happy. And something you must not forget is his inexhaustible energy. Even when he’s surrounded by enemies, he can turn the situation around all at once with a single power cookie. That toughness and power are incredibly reassuring.

―― Pac-Man has adventured through “mazes,” and Sonic has adventured by “speed.” What have been the difficult things and the happy things so far?

[Pac-Man]
I haven’t really thought about it much. I’ve spent a lot of time in mazes with the ghosts. Blinky, Inky, Pinky, and Clyde are always chasing me, so running away might have been tough. That’s exactly why, when I accomplish something or encounter something fun, that excitement makes me extremely happy. Of course, eating fruit or cookies is also the best moment.

[Sonic]
Hmm… times when I have to stay still are tough. When I got caught by Eggman and locked up, I was so bored I felt like I might lose it. On the other hand, happy things happen every day. For me, every day is an adventure, full of excitement.

―― If you compared “mazes” and “speed” to paths in life, what would they be like?

[Pac-Man]
I don’t really understand life very well, but there are lots of different paths. A lot happens inside a maze. Sometimes you get caught by the ghosts, and other times, if you keep running, you might suddenly find fruit or a power cookie and turn everything around in one go. Sometimes, you even end up chasing the ghosts. I think it’s interesting because you never know what’s going to happen.

[Sonic]
If my life were “speed,” I imagine it as finding something that catches my interest and running straight in that direction. Even a small detour can become a proper adventure. When it comes to continuing to move forward, I think Pac-Man and I are the same. Pac-Man’s mazes and my pathless roads are both courses packed with thrills.

◆ Being yourself, something to pass on to Generation Z
“Cherish what makes you feel excited” (Sonic)

―― Even when things get tough, what allows the two of you to keep going without stopping and continue taking on challenges?

[Pac-Man]
I’ve never really thought about it. I was just eating the cookies in front of me, and before I knew it, I’d come this far. I guess finding fruit or power cookies made me happy, and that’s why I was able to keep going. Not giving up is important, isn’t it?

[Sonic]
Simply because I want to have fun. If I catch the scent of something interesting, I can’t help but start running. And there are lots of friends who push me forward or jump out together with me. There’s no reason for me to stop.

―― You’re both very distinctive characters, but do you have something you’d call “being yourself”?

[Pac-Man]
“Being myself,” huh. Maybe this smile that makes everyone smile is what being myself is. Being energetic and happy all the time, and munching on anything, might be things people feel close to me for.

[Sonic]
I’m not running for someone else, and I don’t want to be bound by anyone else’s rules. So I follow my own heart and go where I want to go. Not overreaching, just being myself, free. That’s probably what being myself means.

―― In the human world, both of you are popular with Generation Z. They value individuality and self-acceptance over comparing themselves to others. If they asked you how to express “being yourself,” what would you say?

[Sonic]
I don’t really know much about Generation Z, but maybe they should value what makes them feel excited. Don’t compare yourself to others, trust your own instincts and move forward. Even if you get lost, instead of searching for the right answer, start running toward what looks fun. Through repeating that, I think “being yourself” takes shape.

―― Words that come from overcoming many difficulties. Pac-Man, how about you?

[Pac-Man]
It’s a bit difficult, but maybe everyone should just be themselves. Blinky, Inky, Pinky, and Clyde all have completely different personalities, but I think those differences are really charming and wonderful. The only problem is how mischievous they can be.

◆ From today, each other becomes a “favorite”
Supporting someone is a very happy thing (Pac-Man)

―― By the way, especially among Generation Z, there’s a culture called “oshi-katsu,” supporting your favorite person or character. You’re both on the supported side, but what do you think about this culture?

[Pac-Man]
Oshi-katsu? Does that mean there are people cheering for me? Wow! That makes me really happy. I think it’s wonderful that everyone can support each other. Supporting someone is a very happy thing.

[Sonic]
Wow, that’s an interesting culture. If someone sees me and feels energized or thinks they’ll do their best tomorrow, that doesn’t feel bad at all. Thanks! If my running becomes a tailwind that pushes someone forward, that’s the best.

―― You’re both widely supported by everyone, but what’s the secret to being so popular?

[Pac-Man]
The secret to being popular, huh. Maybe it’s because I give back lots of power to everyone in return for all the support I receive. I always think about staying energetic, positive, and having fun together with everyone.

[Sonic]
It’s nothing that grand, but if I had to say something… it’s never betraying anyone, including myself. I don’t want to do anything uncool that would disappoint my best friends, and I always want to be myself.

―― On the other hand, do you have your own “favorite”?

[Pac-Man]
I’ve got a partner called Pac-Buddy. He’s always by my side and gives me energy. Does that count as a favorite?

[Sonic]
OK, got it, “favorite.” If it means something I can’t live without, there’s only one answer. Chili dogs. A crispy sausage with spicy chili beans… oops. Of course, Pac-Man is my favorite too. I’ll keep cheering on that unstoppable eating of yours.

[Pac-Man]
Thanks. “Favorite” is a word I’m hearing for the first time, so it’s interesting. Maybe I’ll make Sonic my favorite starting today. Hehe.

―― Speaking of which, recently Pac-Man has been running through a stage themed after Green Hill Zone in Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac.

[Pac-Man]
That refreshing feeling of Green Hill is the best. Blue skies, white clouds, palm trees, totem poles. It’s stranger not to run there. I really understood how Sonic feels. The 360-degree loops, dash rings, grinding along rails, and I even hear Dr. Eggman shows up. Either way, it’s completely a chill place. Green Chill… oops, excuse me.

◆ The two celebrate their reunion
“Go forward in a Pac-Man way, positively munching along” (Sonic)

―― Sonic, it seems you’re taking on races using “Travel Rings” in Sonic Racing CrossWorlds.

[Sonic]
You mean those crazy races Dodonpa started, where you warp through different courses using Travel Rings while competing. You can go to places you’ve never seen before, and it’s insanely fun. Racing in machines has a different sense of speed from running on your own feet, and it’s addictive. Maybe someday Pac-Man will pop out from the other side of a Travel Ring.

[Pac-Man]
Actually, I’m planning to join Sonic Racing CrossWorlds soon too. It’s not just about speed here. I’ll be showing off stylish machines and elegant driving skills, so look forward to it. If I can have a good race with Sonic and everyone else, that would be great.

―― How did it feel today to reunite like this and talk with each other?

[Pac-Man]
I was really happy to see you again after so long. Thinking about it again, I might not be able to beat him in terms of speed, but running together is so much fun, and I want to keep running together from now on. But maybe I’m faster than Sonic when it comes to eating. How about we race based on eating speed next time?

[Sonic]
Sounds good. I won’t lose when it comes to speed competitions. Next time we meet, I’ll have to prepare plenty of my favorite chili dogs. I had fun talking again after so long too. Talking again really reminded me of all the charm that only Pac-Man has, like his bottomless happiness and that “I want to enjoy things to my fill” kind of energy.

―― Finally, please send each other a message of encouragement.

[Pac-Man]
Listening to Sonic talk about his adventures is always so much fun, and I want to hear lots more stories about your next adventures. So please keep running in your own Sonic way. Let’s not forget to enjoy the future, and let’s definitely play together again.

[Sonic]
Keep moving forward in a Pac-Man way, positively munching along. If we keep running our own paths to the fullest, I believe our roads will cross again somewhere and we’ll be able to play together. Until then, let’s both keep having the best adventures. See you!

Source: Oricon News