In the face of natural disasters, retro electronics make a comeback
Old-fashioned electronics, such as hand-cranked radios and battery-operated lights, are making a comeback in Japan as more people become sensitive to the impact of natural disasters on their lives after heavy downpours and earthquakes hit the country.
Shops are running out of stock and electronic manufacturers are trying to rev up production to respond to surging interest for appliances that do not depend on electrical outlets.
“Our production cannot keep up with the demand because of a large amount of orders. Please be patient,” said Sony in an unusual statement released Sept 19 regarding handcranked portable radios retailing at around ¥9,200-10,300 (2,7003,000 baht).
The handy radio, a key information-gathering tool in disasters, can charge smartphones and function as a flashlight with light-emitting diodes.
Inquiries about the product have surged after the devastating Sept 6 earthquake on Japan’s northern main island of Hokkaido, which triggered a prefecture-wide blackout.
Toshiba is responding to this new wave of demand with LED-fitted radios.
September sales for its small radios have more than doubled from a year earlier. They have proved so popular in and around Tokyo that the company decided to increase their production after stocks ran out for some items.
Demand for batteries and battery-operated goods peaked after torrential rains that hit western Japan in July caused massive damage.
Sales have soared for Panasonic’s Tama (Bulb) Lantern, retailing at around ¥2,200-3,200. Originally sold as an interior decoration or a night light, consumers are buying them because they are portable and can emit light for 40 days straight.
Toshiba’s September sales of batteries increased 25% from a year earlier as more people are keeping them in reserve for an eventual disaster.
Panasonic is responding to increased customer demand for batteries by providing air delivery in some parts of Japan.