In a random series of tweets that came out of nowhere, Yuji Naka, the creator of the original Sonic the Hedgehog series, has finally confirmed the longstanding speculation regarding Michael Jackson’s involvement in the soundtrack for Sonic 3.
Yuji Naka initiated the conversation with a tweet that contained a video from Sega’s official TikTok, in which Sonic is seen shaking to one of the pop icon’s popular songs. The Sonic creator expressed that he was surprised by the video, and wondered if it’s a sign that Sega has perhaps finally acknowledged Michael Jackson’s involvement in the development of the OST for Sonic 3.
Happy 31st Birthday Sonic!
SEGA Official is playing Michael Jackson's song on Sonic. I'm surprised. Is it a sign? https://t.co/sQsAIWvBkI— Yuji Naka / 中 裕司 (@nakayuji) June 23, 2022
He further stated in another tweet that, despite using his music in promotional videos involving the blue hedgehog, Sega went through the trouble of changing the music for Sonic 3 in Sonic Origins, the brand new compilation that’s recently been released for the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Oh my god, the music for Sonic 3 has changed, even though SEGA Official uses Michael Jackson's music.
— Yuji Naka / 中 裕司 (@nakayuji) June 23, 2022
A few hours later, Naka took to Twitter once again to let everyone know that he felt he was being misunderstood by everyone, and the actual meaning of his statement was lost in translation. He clarified that he was using a translation tool to express what he had wanted to say in English.
I feel like I'm being misunderstood a lot, probably because I don't speak English and I'm using a translation tool. Sorry.
— Yuji Naka / 中 裕司 (@nakayuji) June 23, 2022
An honest mistake or a cover up? We’ll let our readers decide. In the meantime, check out the video below for a recap on the history of speculation regarding the involvement of the iconic pop singer Michael Jackson in the development of the soundtrack for Sonic 3.
For the uninitiated, Sonic Origins is a Sonic the Hedgehog game compilation published by Sega. The first four Sonic platform games – Sonic the Hedgehog (1991), Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992), Sonic CD (1993), and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles—that were initially published on the Sega Genesis and the Sega CD are included (1994). Both the games’ original format and a new widescreen edition without lives are playable. With the inclusion of new game types and objectives in Origins, players will have access new items in the game’s museum.
