100台以上のレトロ自販機に、昭和のアイドルになれちゃうスタジオまで！意外な所で昭和ブーム！｜TBS NEWS DIG

The unprecedented boom in "Showa Retro": Retro vending machines, quirky-cute fashion—what is this world of Showa Retro that's captivating young people? ■The unprecedented boom in "Showa Retro": Even hotels are collaborating with "retro" patterns Step inside and you're greeted by retro candy stores and dial-type telephone booths. Young people are taking photos in this space that evokes a sense of nostalgia. This is Decks Tokyo Beach in Odaiba, Tokyo. It's the "Odaiba 1-chome Shopping Street," a recreation of a Showa-era townscape. 20s "My friend was posting tons of retro photos of this place on social media, and I thought I absolutely had to go. Since I'm here, I think I'll take about 100 photos." "It's like the 'Instagrammable' or 'emotional' feeling you see today. It's something you don't see anymore, so it feels really fresh." This "Instagrammable" spot where you can experience "Showa Retro" has become a hot topic on social media, attracting a flood of young people. Among them, what everyone was most engrossed in were the old-fashioned retro games! Particularly popular was "A-Class License," a game where players flick a spring to guide a 10-yen coin to the goal. 20s "There aren't many 10-yen games (these days), so I find it appealing." This facility originally opened in 2002 to evoke nostalgia for middle-aged and older people. Initially, only about 10% of customers were young people. Daiba 1-chome Shopping Street Chairman, Hiroshi Kubo "Now, young people overwhelmingly make up about 80%. Everything that catches their eye seems fresh and new to them." "Showa Retro" is experiencing an unprecedented boom. Its popularity is spreading to unexpected places. At the Tokyo Prince Hotel, a lodging plan collaborating with "Adelia Retro," a brand of retro-patterned glass tableware, is extremely popular (until September 30th). You can enjoy soda served in "Adelia Retro" glasses and old-fashioned pudding à la mode in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Furthermore, with the Christmas shopping season approaching, products reviving "Showa-era toys" are attracting attention, and the market is becoming increasingly lively. ■Unique Showa-era Vending Machines: Including one with amazing technology for serving curry A crowd has gathered at the "Used Tire Market" in Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Their target: retro vending machines manufactured during the Showa era. A pair from Osaka purchased a popular "Hamburger" (280 yen), which is also known for its cute, retro box. 20s: "The font on the 'Hamburger' is so cute!" 30s: "The bread is a little soggy from the moisture, but that's what makes it nostalgic." Next, a woman in her 20s chose a "Ham and Cheese Toast" (300 yen) with a nicely browned crust. Other items include classic tempura soba, shaved ice (popular with children), and even miso soup. Apparently, they started collecting them to entertain people while they waited for their tires to be changed, and now they've grown quite a collection. The vending machines of the Showa era, which were popular before convenience stores became widespread, featured some amazing technology. One rare machine dispenses curry already served. Inside, it automatically opens a retort pouch and pours the curry over rice kept warm at 70 degrees Celsius—a groundbreaking technology for its time. It's a classic dish called "Oriental Mars Curry," released in 1962 (Showa 37). 40s "I wanted to bring my kids because I thought they'd never seen anything like it." 10s "There were so many things I didn't know, it was interesting." These retro vending machines evoke nostalgia for the Showa generation and feel new to the Heisei generation. The president, Tatsuhiro Saito, spent six years installing over 100 of these machines. His favorite is a Sharp-made udon and soba vending machine. He apparently decides the ingredients to put inside himself. Tatsuhiro Saito, Sagamihara Store, Used Tire Market "I love wild vegetable soba noodles." The amazing thing about this vending machine is its delicate movements that gently drain the water, preventing the wild vegetables from spilling. A bowl of comforting wild vegetable soba noodles with warm broth costs 350 yen. Tatsuhiro Saito, Sagamihara Store, Used Tire Market "Unlike today's vending machines, the old ones were full of personality. I think that's what makes them so appealing, from the colors to the designs." ■A trip back in time to the 80s! Getting hooked on "Showa-era coordination" Recently, there's been a surge in young people getting hooked on "Showa-era coordination," including retro clothes and goods! A unique service from a certain studio is becoming a hot topic. A plan (Maruberu 80's) where you can experience a photoshoot dressed in 80s fashion is currently very popular. The photographer is Hitoshi Takeda, the 6th generation owner of "Marubell-do," a specialty shop that has been photographing and selling bromide prints of Showa-era idols and pop stars. With props l...