Extra edition
Mask

In Japan, you may see many people wearing masks, but most of them are not doing so because they have contracted a disease.Most of them wear masks on the commute to and from work and school as a preventative measure, so that they do not inconvenience other people at their work or school.Recently in Japan, allergies to cedar pollen have increased, and there are many people who wear a mask because they suffer from these allergies and want to prevent their symptoms.

In Japan, the method of using masks has evolved. You may see the following unique uses.\n\n1) Wearing a mask as fashion\nThis is said to have begun as a fashion statement by youths called "Bosozoku", a type of motorcycle gang.\n2) Using a mask as a disguise\nFor example, "geinojin", or Japanese celebrities who appear on television, may cause a commotion if they are seen in public, so they use a mask to avoid this.