Japanese Lifestyle of Masks.

As I have seen it in many documentaries about modern day Japan, I have to question, why do they wear masks? My first assumption is that they are sick, but the more I have researched the more I have found that is not the only reason to wear them.

In Japan, surgery masks have become a multi-million dollar industry, and though they started out for health reasons, they now have a multitude of purposes.

A surgical mask’s number one use in Japan is for allergies (Joy). The spring causes pollen and the industrialization in Japan causes a lot of dust to surface in the air, enough dust to actually cause many serious complications. These masks help filter these risks out and help many Japanese breathe better.

Another reason to wear the mask is for fashion. They used to be seen as an embarrassment in Japan and only suppose to be worn when needed, but they are now a very popular fashion item. Masks are now being made in assorted colors, many different shapes, and even 3-D masks that protrude and conform to your face! Many Japanese say that the mask gives them a mysterious look, drawing attention to them as they walk down busy streets. Some say it hides their mouth and for them, it’s a good thing!

The Japanese even use these masks for covering up scars, zits, pimples, or any imperfection that they make want to hide that day. In some cases, women do not use makeup and will just wear a mask instead for that day (Phanthanh).

Another reason that has been becoming more popular is wearing a mask to make yourself more unapproachable. This allows you to not have to make social interactions such as smiles, frowns, or laughs because no one can see it (Joy). Japan is a reserved culture that can be conscious of the judgement of others, and those who are shy and lacking self-esteem have the ability to wear the mask and escape from the world (Phanthanh).

Lastly, as it is still very much used for health reasons as well, sales go up even more during cold and flu season and outbreaks. Being in such a populated area, it helps to have some protection while in close quarters (Joy).

Works Cited

“Japan’s Face Masks.” Prescient, https://www.prescientuk.com/blog/detail/the-japanese-face-mask-trend.html, Date accessed: Feb 22, 2019.

Joy, Alicia. “Why Do Japanese People Wear Surgical Masks?” Culture Trip, December 3, 2017, https://theculturetrip.com/asia/japan/articles/why-do-japanese-people-wear-surgical-masks/, Date accessed: Feb 22, 2019.

Phanthanh, Cornelius. “Why Japanese wear masks: a look behind health, etiquette, and culture.” Go! Go! Nihon, September 29, 2018, https://gogonihon.com/en/blog/why-do-japanese-people-wear-masks/, Date accessed: Feb 22, 2019.