“90s Retro” Booms Among Gen Z as Nostalgic Gadgets Make a Comeback
Right now, 1990s technology is once again attracting attention among Gen Z (those born between the late 1990s and early 2010s) in the United States. In today's increasingly digitized world, choosing to use analog devices is being perceived as something "new."
Particularly popular are items such as VHS tapes, disposable cameras, and the handheld digital pet "Tamagotchi." For young people today, who can do almost anything with a smartphone, the operational inconveniences and unique textures of these devices appear fresh and appealing.
Furthermore, items that were once used in daily life, such as landline telephones and cassette tapes, are being incorporated as part of fashion and hobbies. Posting retro photos on social media and intentionally enjoying music through more time-consuming methods have become a trend among young people.
This phenomenon is also spreading in Japan as a "retro boom." The attitude of not only embracing the latest technology but also rediscovering past culture and enjoying it in a way that suits one's own style can be called a new form of culture shared by young people around the world.