Sad news for vintage gearheads: as of April 1, 2006, the Japanese government has banned the resale of vintage synthesizers (and any electrical appliance, for that matter) manufactured before 2001.

The new Product Safety of Electrical Appliance and Material Law allows owners of electronics produced prior to 2001 to continue using their equipment. However, individual who sell older gear without a PSE sticker can face fines up to 300,000 yen (approximately $2,600 USD). Businesses face even steeper penalties of up to 1 million yen.

Musicians, including Ryuichi Sakamoto, are circulating a petition opposing it: www.petitiononline.com/noriko...on.html