[Response to Taipa] Why do Generation Z love the "working" Heisei Retro?

"Taipa is bad"

With that one word, everything is cut off. Watch movies at double speed and listen to the chorus for music. It's not just a time-saving technique. This is a manifestation of the "correct answer" that is prevalent in modern society, with the idea of ​​"don't want to fail" and "want to get the right answer in the shortest possible distance."

But is that really the case?

I hope you will remember the MD Walkman sleeping deep inside the drawer. That inefficient time was dubbing CDs one by one in front of the component. I think it was in that time-consuming process that something was lost to us.

The essence of the "Heisei Retro" that Gen Z is currently thrilling is nothing more than a rediscovery of this "value of inefficiency." This is a quiet but powerful counterattack against the "fear of failure" called Taipa.

Roughly speaking

1. Generation Z deliberately enjoys the "working" Heisei retro style as a counter to a Taipa (= avoiding failure) society.
2. Its essence is an extremely human act that regains "bodily senses" and "sense of self-determination" in a world where failure is permitted.
3. This boom teaches us tips on "life richness" that is not just about efficiency and correct answers.

Counterattack on Taipa Society: Three Instincts of Gen Z

This is where the main topic begins.

Why are they born and raised in a Taipa society attracted to Heisei Retro, a symbol of inefficiency? This is nothing more than because they are trying to regain the three senses that humans instinctively seek in a "safe place where failure is allowed."

1. Affirm "as is" and restore physicality

As a result of being digitally optimized, we have left our "body" behind. That's not all. A digital world where you can freely edit and edit can quietly erode your positivity towards your true self.

This reaction manifests itself as a thirst for physical "touch" and "funny".

It feels like the CD jacket is opened carefully. The feeling of the fingertips turning the iPod wheel. And most importantly, it's a "shoot" that is not corrected and one-shot photo shoot.

It may become out of focus, too much light enter, or you don't know how it will be on the picture until it is developed. This result, which may be "fail" by modern standards, is transformed into the value of "emo." This is a record of "authentic" that has not been processed, and an experience where imperfect "as is" is affirmed. This can be said to be a magnificent escape from everyday life where people pursue Taipa and are always looking for perfect results.

2. Reclaim "your own time" and gain a sense of self-determination

Next, they are trying to regain the "time" lead.

The good content of the Taipa is optimized using algorithms and delivered to us. That's comfortable, but on the other hand, we tend to be "making our content consumed" without us realizing it. This weakens the sense of "making your own choices," that is, the sense of self-determination.

On the other hand, Heisei Retro items require the user's activeness thoroughly. I wondered how to order the songs I put in the MD, and made labels by hand on cassette tapes, and doodled them with my own hands on a Purikura.

Because it is a time-consuming and inconvenient thing, there is a proactive involvement in "making your own ideas and using them well." Inefficient constraints actually stimulate their creativity and give them a strong sense of self-determination that "this is your own experience."

3. New connections that share "safe failures"

And finally, inefficient time creates "connections where failure is allowed."

In today's world where everyone is sending out "sparkling results" on social media, "failure" has become something to hide. However, in the world of Heisei retro, those values ​​are reversed.

As mentioned above, the failed photo of "Shorun" is praised as "emo." This "culture where failure is allowed" is truly a safety zone for Gen Z.

"I took such a weird photo!""I failed to add this song to MD (lol)"

Sharing such "safe failure" experiences create much stronger empathy and connection than bragging about the perfect outcome. Having the same item and sharing the same inefficient "time" and "failures". This is the source of the essential sense of security we desire in a society that is becoming increasingly personalized.

Summary: To escape the curse of Taipa

The Heisei retro boom is more than just a nostalgic hobby. It is an antithesis from Generation Z to modern society, trapped in the "fear of failure" and "correct answering principles" called Taipa.

From this phenomenon, we can receive three tips that we can implement from tomorrow.

1. **Experience the process. ** Not only is it the result, but it also enjoys the trial and error and detours that lead to it. Find elements of "play" in everything, including cooking, studying, working.

2. **Expand the realm of self-determination. ** Not only do you give yourself to the algorithm, but you also try to make a time-consuming choice. Think and choose with your five senses and mind. It's about regaining that feeling.

3. **Love and share your failures. ** "Failure" that appears to be inefficient or wasteful at first glance will deepen your charm as you. Let's give ourselves more detours and losers and share them with someone as a laughing matter.

Now, what kind of "lovely mistakes" can you find from the mementos behind your drawer?

Recommended books

This book is recommended for those who want to learn more about the efficiency-enhancing society and the values ​​of the coming era, as mentioned in this article.