Tokyo: Nestled in central Tokyo, the Extinct Media Museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to reconnect with obsolete technology that once shaped daily life.
From Betacam videotapes and floppy disks to vintage Sony gadgets and a 1916 Japanese-made “Lily” still camera—the museum’s oldest exhibit—this treasure trove of bygone media takes guests on a journey through history.
Visitors like 59-year-old Mika Matsuda are transported back to simpler times. “Seeing these pieces feels like I’m having a flashback of our own lives. It reminded me of how things were back then—I used to have so much fun,” Matsuda shared, reflecting on the sentimental value of the items.
Since its opening in January 2023, the museum has thrived on the principle that all media equipment, except for enduring materials like paper and stone, will inevitably become obsolete. Deputy curator Barbara Asuka highlighted the museum’s interactive approach:
“We want visitors to experience these items with all five senses rather than just looking at the display through glass. There’s a lot of information you can gain by holding it, like the smell,” she explained.
Also Read | Air Travel Boom Threatens Climate Goals, Study Finds
Most of the items displayed are donations, allowing visitors to not only view but touch and engage with the artifacts. Hisashi Ito, a 56-year-old car designer, recently donated a hand-held watch and cassette tapes from his collection. “Even if I keep these gadgets at home, they will probably just be thrown away when I die. It’s better to share them and let people enjoy them,” Ito said.
Also Read | Malaysia Imposes Anti-Dumping Duties on Steel Imports from 4 Countries
The museum, spread across three modest rooms, charges general admission at 2,000 yen (approximately $12.70). Students and donors can visit for 1,000 yen. While the operating hours vary, the experience remains timeless for those who seek a nostalgic journey into the past.
