Nostalgia revived with Heisei-era retro goods! A guide to items you’ll want to collect now
“They’re packed with memories from back then!” When we see nostalgic goods, we can’t help but pick them up.
The Heisei era was filled with items that charmed us with their unique vibe and design.
For those who lived through it, they bring back a wave of nostalgia; for those who didn’t, they feel fresh and “retro-cute.” Now, Heisei-retro goods are quietly sparking a boom.
Here, we’ll introduce the appeal of these trending Heisei-retro items and recommend ways to collect them.
- Heisei Retro Design: A Nostalgic World Gaining Renewed Attention in the Reiwa Era
- Heisei retro fashion is making a comeback in the Reiwa era! The appeal of Y2K style
- [Nostalgic yet New] A Collection of Heisei-Retro Illustrations You Can Draw Easily
- A must-see for the Showa generation! Nostalgic popular snacks from the old days
- A roundup of nostalgic Showa-era home appliances, including rare ones you don’t see anymore!
- Nostalgic foods of the Showa era. Let’s trace the memorable flavors and the memories they evoke.
- [Nostalgic Showa Fashion] The changing trends that feel both nostalgic and fresh
- The Complete Guide to Showa-Era Toys: From Showa retro to toys still loved today
- A nostalgic feature on Showa-era magazines: looking back at the popular magazines of the time.
- Found at a dagashi shop! A roundup of nostalgic and delicious popular snacks
- [For Seniors] Nostalgic! Showa-Era Quizzes Recommended for Reminiscence Therapy
- Nostalgic ice cream from the Showa era. From today’s classic staples to old-time favorites.
- [Nostalgic Memories] Popular Menu Items from Showa-Era School Lunches
Heisei retro goods bring back nostalgia! A guide to items you’ll want to collect now (1–10)
A cassette tape with a Heisei-era vibe
When you say Sony Walkman, nowadays it brings to mind a small digital music player, but for those from the Showa era it’s the cassette-tape Walkman.
Back then there were lots of rival models—National had the “World Way,” Panasonic had the “S-Type,” and companies fiercely competed.
In the Heisei era, Walkman models were released with a colorful, pop image—lightweight, with subdued bass—projecting a distinctly stylish vibe.
This Walkman has kept changing form, and new models are still being released in 2025.
Someday we’ll probably even hear the phrase “Reiwa Retro.”
New releases are here too! Love & Berry
https://www.tiktok.com/@yokopii/video/7474866054859099400In arcades and in corners of big malls, the game Oshare Majo Love and Berry stood out, drawing crowds of girls.
Of course, it wasn’t just girls—boys and adults lined up too, cheering and groaning over the cards that came out and how the game unfolded.
In fact, Love and Berry was developed as the girls’ counterpart to Mushi King: The King of Beetles, which was enjoying explosive popularity at the time.
There was even a Nintendo DS version that came with a card reader, so you could play Love and Berry on it.
Who knows—maybe there are still some Love and Berry cards sleeping in the back of your big sister’s desk!
Various designs have arrived! Utsurun-desu (disposable camera)
Experience film photography with FUJIFILM’s “QuickSnap” disposable camera.
With the spread of digital cameras and smartphones, using disposables has become much less common.
But precisely because film can’t be retaken, it can capture those special moments as they are.
QuickSnap has a built-in battery, so there’s no need to charge it, and it’s easy to use.
It even has a flash.
Enjoy the thrill of film photography—the excitement of not knowing how your photos will turn out until they’re developed.
Nostalgia Revived with Heisei Retro Goods! A Guide to Collectible Items (11–20)
Angel Blue
Angel Blue is a fashion brand by Narumiya International that debuted in 1989.
It exploded in popularity in the 2000s, so even if you don’t know the brand, you’ve probably seen its main character, Nakamu‑ra-kun, at least once.
Its popularity hasn’t waned, and in 2025 a new character, Mimily-chan, joined the lineup! The flagship store, NARUMIYA HAPPY PARK, also opened.
A wide variety of items are available, from accessories to clothing.
Reprint editions are popular too! Tamagotchi
Tamagotchi, released by Bandai in 1996, sparked a massive boom that became a social phenomenon—many people at the time found it hard to get their hands on one! Tamagotchi remains popular today, and unlike in the past, it now has a color screen, zoom, and communication features, continuing to evolve.
When it first launched, the ways to raise your Tamagotchi were limited and the game was something you played on your own, but once communication features were added, you could interact with other people’s Tamagotchi, expanding the ways to play.
There are also many character collaboration editions, making it a product you can’t help wanting more of.
Timeless! Mini 4WD
Mini 4WD has been a popular pastime for over 40 years.
Some say the fourth boom has arrived—no, it’s the fifth!—and everyone seems to have their own favorite car tied to personal memories.
I’ve even seen news about fathers of today’s generation enjoying Mini 4WD together with their kids.
One of the charms of Mini 4WD is that you don’t just run what you bought out of the box; you can combine parts, sometimes make your own, and there’s plenty of room for creativity and ingenuity.
There are even videos that showcase every Mini 4WD machine ever made.
I hope people who were obsessed with it back in the Heisei era will give them a watch.
Evolved loose socks
Loose socks, which were a huge craze among high school girls around the beginning of the Heisei era, are long white socks worn scrunched down around the ankles.
Pairing them with school uniforms was considered stylish, and many students adopted the look.
Although they briefly faded from sight, they’ve been getting attention again in the Reiwa era, with a comeback as a fashion item.
People are enjoying them both for events and in everyday outfits.
From the classic extra-volume type to slightly shorter variations, there are many styles to choose from, letting you express your own fashion sense.
It’s a curious item that blends nostalgia with freshness.
