Cassette tapes are making a surprise comeback in Japan

Streaming generation charmed by the low-fi warmth of analog audio

20240205 Cassette tapes

The Tower Records Shibuya store in Tokyo has greatly expanded its cassette tape section. 

MEGUMI KITO, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- In an era where digital streaming services dominate the music industry, a surprising retro revival is taking place: the comeback of the cassette tape. Once thought to be a relic of the past, the humble rectangle of magnetic film is experiencing a renaissance, charming a new generation of music enthusiasts with its nostalgic appearance and distinctly warm and rich sound.

Some stores in Tokyo are expanding their dedicated cassette tape sections, signaling a resurgence of compact analog recording media.

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