noun
reactionary tendency; revivalist mood; tendency to revert to old customs
Describes a social or cultural mood that looks back to past customs or styles, often with a conservative or nostalgic tone. Can be used for fashion, politics, or art.
最近のファッションには復古調が見られる。
A revivalist mood can be seen in recent fashion.
その政治家の演説には復古調が強く感じられた。
A strong reactionary tendency was felt in that politician's speech.
懐古 is 'nostalgia' or 'reminiscence' about the past, often personal and sentimental, whereas 復古調 implies a broader social or cultural trend toward reviving old customs.
Compound of 復古 (restoration, return to old ways) and 調 (tone, mood, style). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word is conventionally associated with describing reactionary or revivalist tendencies.