This April, a Japanese law that regulates old electronics will go into full-effect. Called the Denan Law (or Electrical Safety Law), it was originally passed back in 2001 and contained a five-year grace period.

According to the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, items that fall under this legislation include "electric refrigerators, electric laundry machines, television receivers, electric musical instruments, audio equipment, gaming devices, etc." Computers, apparently, are not yet included.

The law was designed to ensure safety and conformity to technical records by initiating an inspection system. Used-sellers will have to get a government seal, saying the goods conform to modern standards. Easier said than done. Shopkeepers complain as only importers and producers are allowed to inspect the products.

How does this effect vintage gaming devices? Consoles that don't use removable AC adapters, such as the PS1, the PS1 SCPH-1000000-39000, Sega MegaDrive, MegaCD, Super 32X, Sega Saturn and Dreamcast units will need to be inspected or subsequently banned. Poor Dreamcast. Even in the end, can't ever catch a break.

The picture above is an announcement from Sofmap in Den-Den Town. It says the store will not purchase used PS1, PS 2 SCPH-1000000-39000, Sega Saturn, Dreamcast and the others previously mentioned. No doubt, secondhand shops are being hit hard. This legislation certainly isn't out of the blue, but that doesn't make it any less difficult for retailers and consumers.

While the Denan Law comes in the respectable guise of "safety," it shows that the Japanese government is oblivious to things outside of mainstream business. Standardized quality for used products is a good idea. Suffocation is not.

More Here [Mutant Frog]
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