Maxell resumes production of UD-60U cassette tapes

Maxell, in collaboration with the Japanese retailer Disk Union, has resumed production of the iconic UD-60U cassette tape. The Type I iron oxide tapes, which offer 60 minutes of recording time, are currently available in Japan in black and red colors.

This resurgence coincides with a significant surge in consumer interest. Google Trends data indicates a 5,000% increase in searches for cassette tapes over the last month and a 200% increase over the last three months. The trend is driven by nostalgia and a growing interest among Generation Z, who view the format as a collectible alternative to streaming.

In the United States, cassette sales rose from 81,000 units in 2015 to an estimated 450,000 in 2025. Major artists, including Taylor Swift, have contributed to the medium's visibility by releasing albums on cassette, positioning the format alongside vinyl and CDs as a physical music preference.