Sega helps renovate children’s hospital with Sonic and other popular characters 

A hospital in Tokyo has received a Sonic and Puyo Puyo-themed facelift thanks to Sega and space planning firm Nomura. Based around the theme of “a hospital with a story,” the renovated areas aim to help reduce children’s anxiety and give them confidence.  

As reported by Gamebiz, the maternal and child health care center at The Jikei University Hospital in Tokyo now features popular Sega characters like Sonic and his friends, as well as the loveable Puyo Puyo creatures from the tile-matching game series.  

The Head of the Department of Pediatrics, Professor Kimihiko Oishi, explains that aim of the renovation was to create a hospital environment that would ease children’s anxiety and provide comfort. Sega and Nomura got on board with the initiative, and thus the project to transform areas of the maternal and child health care center began. Architectural and space planning firm Nomura provided assistance with planning, design and construction of the new spaces, and the designs were created based on consultations with the hospital staff. 

As seen in the concept images, the first-floor entrance and waiting room area provide a relaxing space featuring Sonic the Hedgehog and his friends. The idea is that Sonic and co. will provide familiar faces and reassurance to children, cheering them on through each step of their treatment. In addition, the corridor walls have been decorated with Puyo Puyo characters to make them look more cheerful and welcoming. Children can follow the trail of cute colorful creatures as they walk to the treatment rooms.  

“We are deeply honored that we were able to contribute towards the creation of a safe environment for children at The Jinkei University Hospital’s pediatric department in Tokyo,” Sega Sammy CEO Haruki Satomi commented. “We hope that Sega’s characters will provide cheer and hope to children, their families, as well as all of the healthcare workers.”