Pac-Man at 45: A classic game continues to shape pop culture

Pac-Man at 45: A classic game continues to shape pop culture

5:50 Feb 13, 2026
About this episode
Almost everyone is familiar with Pac-Man, the little yellow character that chomps its way around a maze with its signature "waka-waka" sound. This classic arcade game helped launch Japanese video games onto the global stage, blazing a trail for Mario and Pokémon. The iconic orb is celebrating its 45th anniversary, and it remains as instantly recognizable and beloved as ever. NHK World's Inoue Yuki explores a New York exhibition highlighting its lasting impact on gaming, design, and pop culture.
Select an episode
0:00 0:00