Japanese government backs off some rules on old gear

We were relieved to find out that Japan's new restrictions on sales of some old electronics weren't quite as tough as we originally thought. Now we've got some more good news: certain old gear, including musical equipment and "powered photographic equipment" will be exempt from the full requirements of the law; sellers will still have to register the products, but won't have to submit to rigorous testing. The change seems to have been spurred in part by an active campaign led by Japanese musician Ryuichi Sakamoto, who had fought restrictions on the sale of used synthesizers. Next up: it's time for gamers to take to the streets of Tokyo and make sure that restrictions on their old gear aren't too harsh either.