A space where you can immerse yourself in the world of Pac-Man
In 2025, the world-famous game "PAC-MAN" celebrates its 45th anniversary!
To commemorate this, a special event "PAC-MAN 45TH ANNIVERSARY 1980 POPUP" is currently being held on the 4th floor of Tokyu Plaza Harajuku "Harakado", a new landmark in Harajuku (period: May 22 to June 1, 2025).
I was actually there myself, and it is a super photogenic space where you can immerse yourself in the world of Pacman, making it a must-see event for retro, game, and art lovers!
Po-chipThe entire Harakado was colored with "Pac-Man"! The venue is truly a game world!
Once you step onto the 4th floor of Harakado, you are already in a world of black and yellow pixel art! The building's inorganic concrete and bare ceiling with exposed wiring conversely enhance the retro game world, making it seem as if you have stepped into the world of "Pac-Man".
The first thing that greets you is a cute Pac-Man buried in flowers. The dots and arrows on the floor create a game-like atmosphere that keeps you excited.
Exhibition zones where nostalgia and novelty coexist
1980 Zone: A time-slip back to those days in Shibuya
In a booth that evokes the image of a supermarket of that time, products in nostalgic refrigerators, "anan" magazines from the 1980s, retro records, and old Macintosh PCs are on display.
The space is designed to immerse visitors in nostalgia.
Art Zone: Collaborations with famous artists
Pac-Man-themed artworks by domestic and international artists such as André Saraiva, BEY, LEEGET, and onnacodomo are all on display.
Many of these works can only be seen here, making this an area that is sure to be instagram-worthy.
Café Zone: Watch out for the retro-cute limited edition shaved ice!
Ramune-flavored and Amao-flavored shaved ice are very popular at the event's café!
Both are colorful and look reminiscent of Pac-Man characters.
At the back of the café are old arcade tables.
Old-fashioned arcade machines are also set up, making you feel like you've gone back in time to a game arcade of the 80s.
PochipRest Zone: A healing space "LOVOT" is also available!
This is a healing space where you can also interact with Yogibo, who is modeled after the colors of Pac-Man and Ghost, and LOVOT, an adorable robot that looks like a pet.
I was crazy about the red LOVOT, but... it was hard for him to look at me (laugh).
Visitors can also experience "Shadow Labyrinth," the Pac-Man of the future!
The latest game " Shadow Labyrinth," scheduled for release in July of this year, was also available for hands-on experience at the event!
There are also many goods that you will want to get your hands on!
Pac-Man chocolates in cassette tape-like containers, limited-edition apparel, sundries, and other collectibles are sure to tickle your collector's fancy.
There are also many special collaboration items with popular brands such as Coffee Supreme, LOVOT, and Manhattan Records.
What is Pac-Man? The milestone retro game loved around the world
PAC-MAN" is a world-famous video game that was first released as an arcade game by Namco (now Namco Bandai Entertainment) in Japan in 1980.
Since its release, PAC-MAN has been one of the world's favorite video game characters for more than 40 years.
Po-ChipBasic rules of Pacman
The objective of the game is very simple:
- The player controls Pacman, a yellow circular character
- The goal is to eat all the little dots (power cookies) on the maze (map).
- However, there are 4 ghosts (enemy characters) chasing Pac-Man in the maze.
- Eating the large energy cookies (power cookies) along the way will drive the ghosts away for a certain amount of time!
In this way, the game is simple yet strategic, and anyone can enjoy it easily, which is the reason why it was such a hit.
Why Pac-Man became popular around the world
Pac-Man has created an unprecedented boom, especially in the United States, and has spread throughout the world. The reasons for this include the following points:
- Cute and friendly characters, whereas most games of the time were violent
- Simple rules that anyone can play intuitively
- Pop and bright design supported by women and children
- Expansion into many areas such as animation, merchandise development, apparel collaborations, and music
In the 1980s, the term " Pac-Man Fever " was coined, and a series of candy, plush toys, board games, and cartoons based on the Pac-Man motif appeared.
PotipPac-Man Characters
Not only Pac-Man, but also the four unique ghosts that follow him are the reason for his popularity. Each has its own name and personality:
- Blinky (red): the leader of the pack and chases straight after him
- Pinky (pink): Predicts Pac-Man's direction of travel and goes ahead of him
- Inky (light blue): has a strong random element, making it hard to read his movements
- Clyde (orange): a fickle character who sometimes runs away or approaches
These patterns and randomness create a perfect game balance, making it a game that can be played for a long time.
Pac-Man is also in the Guinness Book of Records as the "Most Successful Arcade Game.
Pac-Man" has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the "World's Most Successful Arcade Game," and more than 40 years later, merchandise and collaborative events continue to appear.
Today, Pac-Man is one of the symbols of Japanese pop culture and is loved by game fans around the world.
Summary｜Free but super fulfilling! Pacman lovers and retro lovers should definitely visit!
Pacman is more than just a retro game; it is a cultural phenomenon. Its simple yet profound gameplay, catchy design, and long-standing popularity will never fade.
The "Pac-Man 45th Anniversary Pop-up Event" is packed with so many hands-on activities that it is hard to believe it is free, and is recommended for couples, friends, and parents and children alike.
The Pac-Man generation can immerse themselves in nostalgia, while the younger generation can enjoy a fresh and stylish view of the world. Be sure to visit this special space where retro and the future merge!
The "PAC-MAN 45TH ANNIVERSARY 1980 POPUP" currently being held at Harajuku Harakado is the perfect event to rediscover the charm of Pac-Man. Please take this opportunity to step into the world of PAC-MAN!
PAC-MAN 45TH ANNIVERSARY 1980 POPUP" Event Outline
Address: Tokyu Plaza Harajuku "Harakado" 4F Special Event Space, 6-31-21 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Store URL: https://45th-anniversary.pacman.com/
Event Name: PAC-MAN 45TH ANNIVERSARY 1980 POPUP
Event Start Date: 2025-05-22
Event End Date: 2025-06-01
Admission fee: free
Weekday Business Hours: 11:00 - 19:00
Holiday Business Hours: 11:00 - 19:00
Event Period: 2025-05-22 - 2025-06-01
