Face Masks Culture
Surgical masks have become as ubiquitous in Japan as mints and tissues in every Japanese person’s daily essentials. While in many countries, face masks are primarily associated with hospitals or seen during times of a deadly virus outbreak on television, in Japan, they are both sold and worn regularly. You can find face mask packs readily available in pharmacies, supermarkets, convenience stores, and even vending machines. The reasons behind the widespread use of face masks in Japan go beyond just medical concerns.
Japanese people often don face masks in the winter to protect themselves from catching colds while commuting on trains or working in the office, demonstrating their consideration for others’ health. These masks also serve practical purposes during high pollen seasons to alleviate hay fever symptoms. Beyond their functional roles, face masks have also become a fashion statement and a symbol of social etiquette in Japan, highlighting the nation’s meticulous approach to personal hygiene and public health.
