Adrian Johnson
TLDR:
– Nostalgia and curiosity among the young have created a hot market for old technology, including the Sony Walkman.
– Walkman collectors like Mark Ip and Stephen Ho are passionate about preserving and sharing these iconic devices.
Nostalgia combined with a curiosity among the young have created a hot market for old technology, particularly the beloved Sony Walkman. Mark Ip, a prominent Walkman collector, owns rare Tiffany Walkman models and showcases them on his Instagram page. Ip’s collection, which includes about 1,000 tape players, is a personal obsession rooted in his youth when he couldn’t afford a Walkman.
On the other hand, Stephen Ho, a retiree with a background in Sony’s marketing department, sees his Walkman collection as a vital link to a cherished past. Ho sources his acquisitions from various places, including Japan and China, where 3D-printing technology helps maintain Walkman fever. While Ho’s collection is not for sale, he acknowledges the increasing trend of both older and younger generations purchasing old technology for sentimental and trendy reasons.
In conclusion, the Sony Walkman continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts seeking a connection to the past, demonstrating how certain pieces of technology can hold significant cultural and nostalgic value over time.
