10 reasons why Japanese people wear surgical face masks.

1.    When down with a cold or flu

 

Masks were primarily worn by people who had already come down with an illness. If you are feeling sick but can’t take the day off, for the well-being of others, it’s courteous to wear a surgical mask to cover your mouth and nose so as not to spread the infection to your class or office or other commuters. 

2.    For allergy reason

 

According to mass media reports in March 2015,  it is found that 1 in 4 Japanese people are hayfever sufferers. There are different kinds of airborne viruses including the pollen grains that are released from typical seed trees, like cedar (杉) and Japanese cypress（ヒノキ), between February to May, while gramineae pollen grains is (イネ科) at its peak in July and August and ragweed (ブタクサ), between September and October. While there is no conclusive proof that wearing one can actually stop pollen invasion and relieve allergy symptom, many take antihistamines in addition to wearing masks as a basic protection

3.    For protection

 

Commuting in Japan often means spending an hour or more on a crowded train or bus, and not everyone has the space enough to cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze. People just do the right thing to wear a mask than having to breath in someone else’s viruses close by and become sick later. Many people wear masks when they get on domestic airplanes or the Shinkansen too - during the winter and spring seasons.

4.    For anti-social reason

Teenagers wear them, along with audio headsets, to signal a lack of desire to direct communicate with those around them while they are accustomed to communicate indirectly through the social media. Many young women, seeking to avoid harassment from public eyes, also appreciate the relative anonymity the masks provide.

5.    To keep warm

Surgical mask can also be used to keep your nose and cheek warm on a cold winter day. You can safely wear one without attracting any attention outside the hospital. You can even wear one under your ski mask when you go skiing.

 

6.    When not wearing any make-up.

In the Japanese society where attention is always paid to neatness in appearance and attire, wearing masks to hide from the public proved to be handy when one needs to dash out to run errands without bothering with make-up or a touch of the lip-stick.

7.    As part of Fashion

Some people see masks as a fashionable accessory. An online search for this product will bring up hundreds of results, and an increasing number of companies are offering masks in floral, polka dots and lingerie prints, not to mention ninja-style masks for guys.

8.    To Concentrate

Believe it or not I have tried that before. A number of people said that a mask helps them focus on study or work. People wearing masks can be seen in public libraries, not to mention, some sleeping comfortably on their chairs wearing one.

9.    Jobs that require wearing masks

Masks are a must for singers as it keeps her or his throat moist before a live concert. Street contractors or factory workers wear masks to protect themselves against dust and pollution. Celebrities who don't want to be noticed in public with no makeup, wear masks when they travel.

10.   Calls from government agencies

 

When it comes to preventing massive influenza and viruses outbreak, especially in seasonal winter, masks become widely recommended. Health agencies would urge mask use, along with frequent hand-washing. Many schools too ask students to come to school with masks and advise them to refrain from touching their noses with hands and fingers.