If you have spent any time on holiday in Japan, you must have seen many Japanese people use white surgical masks.
In other countries, usually only people with serious illnesses use surgical masks with the intention of preventing infectious diseases, so this view is considered unusual by tourists.
In Japan, the number of people using surgical masks is very large, and some people use masks almost everyday, even though they are not sick.
Today, we will discuss the reasons why Japanese use masks, and how to use the right masks.
1. History of Masks in Japan
The first mask in Japan was made from metal coated with cloth, and the function of the mask at that time was to prevent dust from entering your mouth.
The popularity of masks continued but usually masks were only used to prevent transmission of diseases.
In the 1950s, mask manufacturers in Japan made new types of masks made of cloth, which were far more practical than conventional masks, and since then the popularity of masks in Japan has increased.
2. Why Japanese People Wear Masks?
There are several reasons why Japanese people use masks.
The main function of the mask in general is to protect you from dust, germs, and pollen.
In addition, masks are also used by people who are sick with colds or have other infectious diseases, with the intention of preventing transmission.
Some Japanese use a mask to cover their face when they don't have any makeup on, cover their pimples, cover their teeth, or camouflage their long chin.
Some people use masks to hide their faces arguing that they feel more comfortable traveling with masks to avoid recognition.
3. Procedure for Using Masks
The use of masks is very popular in Japan; however, there are some situations where you can't use masks.
One example is that of a business setting. In a business environment, the use of masks is considered impolite because masks cover your face from the other person. Be sure to take off your mask when talking to your seniors or customers.
4. Future of Masks in Japan
In our opinion, in the future masks will still be used by Japanese people.
Mask manufacturers also often launch innovative mask products such as patterned masks, aromatherapy masks, and masks that make your faces look smaller.
Mask technology is getting increasingly sophisticated. Now you even have masks that can kill germs with silver ion technology and masks that can knock out viruses with titanium oxide.
Seeing the many types of surgical masks in Japan, what if you try one of these masks when you go to Japan?
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