A new law in Japan, called Tenka no akuho da!
(the worst law ever) by some, promises to ban the sale of
vintage synthesizers and other classic audio gear. The law has the potential to significantly influence the market for classic analog gear, because it may remove a large market and also drive Japanese to sell gear outside the country.
The PSE law, (Product Safety of Electrical Appliance and Material), which goes into force April 1st,
prohibits the resale of electrical appliances produced prior to 2001. Owners that have gear made before
2001, can keep on using it, but owners that sell older electronics without a PSE sticker can be fined up to 300,000 yen, about US $2,600. The law also applies to imported items.
Penalties are even harsher for businesses. Businesses can be fined up to 1 million yen.
The law is unpopular among musicians, with musicians such as Ryuichi Sakamoto and others circulating a petition opposing it.
“I heard about it in the studio about a month ago and was shocked,” says musician Ryo Takagi. “It makes me feel really desolate not to be able to buy older products any more. There’s something weird about all of this.”
