The existence of the yellow Backtrack Retro Boombox has sparked interest, revealing that separate companies operate the AIWA brand in North America and Japan. The product is not currently sold in Japan and is available only through North American channels.
The yellow, box-shaped Backtrack Retro Boombox stacked on Costco shelves is a real product. Its model number is AI7012, and it features Bluetooth, a CD player, cassette recording, and an AM/FM radio. Photos from the original source have drawn attention on social media, with many people sharing a sense of nostalgia.
According to official information and checks with retailers, the product is listed as using Bluetooth 5.0. The Bluetooth 5.3 specification initially reported has been corrected. It is available in black, silver and yellow.
The AIWA brand was originally founded in 1951 as a Sony subsidiary. After the discontinuation of the brand was announced in 2008, Aiwa Acquisitions LLC acquired and developed the brand in North America, while a separate company linked to Sakar International and Infinity Lifestyle Brands is associated with its revenue sources. In Japan, アイワ株式会社, a subsidiary of Towada Audio, operates the brand independently.
The Backtrack Retro Boombox is sold by a North American company. No sales in Japan have been confirmed, and no announcement of authorized imports for the Japanese market has been found. Although cassette tapes themselves remain readily available in Japan, access to this particular product is currently limited.