Sonic Creative Director Kazuyuki Hoshino and Music Director Tomoya Ohtani Interview: The Blue Blur Still Accelerating After 35 Years

Summary

In 2026, as Sonic the Hedgehog marks its 35th anniversary, the blue blur's official presence reached Shanghai for the first time. Creative Director Kazuyuki Hoshino and Music Director Tomoya Ohtani attended a fan event, engaging in a face-to-face conversation with Chinese fans—the first official exchange between the franchise and its Chinese community. Over the past 35 years, Sonic has evolved from 2D pixel sprites on the Sega Mega Drive to 3D polygonal characters and photorealistic movie depictions, expanding into games, films, animation, and music, becoming a global phenomenon and a collective memory for generations of players. During the interview, both directors repeatedly returned to the same answer: the core remains unchanged, but the form always evolves. Whether it is the sharp silhouette in character design, the constant urge to challenge new musical styles, or the 'biological evolution' philosophy in IP management, it all comes down to one essence: Sonic must keep running, and the direction can change at any time. The conversation was both a heartfelt reflection on 35 years of history and a hint of future innovation. For players, it was a rare opportunity to connect with the creative minds behind the franchise, deepening their appreciation of Sonic's spirit; for the industry, Sonic's enduring success offers valuable insights into how to maintain core spirit while…