SO, most likely you have seen some Japanese people on the airplane or another public location with the surgical masks on. If you are anything like me, you probably were wondering what this phenomenon is all about and whether or not you in fact might want to get your face mask game together. This particular custom dates back to Japanese culture in the 20th century. This is when a massive pandemic of influenza, which killed between 20 and 40 million people in the world. The custom of facemask-wearing began in Japan during the early years of the 20th century, when a massive pandemic of influenza killed between 20 and 40 million people around the world—more than died in World War 11.
In 2013, the fiscal year’s Japan’s market was 23.9 billion Yen, which equates to $229.8 million. Well, while in Tokyo, Japan, this is what I learned. People where masks
- As a courtesy when sick to keep from spreading germs as that would be so rude!
- To void off hay fever from the ubiquitous amount of pollen in the air.
- To prevent from getting sick, especially combatting the Micro particulate matter following the earthquake and nuclear accident of 2012.
- Simply put – some Japanese folk do not want to be bothered so not only do they put their masks on, but they slip their headphones on too.
- And of course some just where it for fashion. (masuku bijin means beautiful masked girl). Check out some of the smog couture pieces also.
Today Japanese buy $230 million worth in masks, which is part of the reason I am wearing one on the plane back from Tokyo. I am pretty sure they are not spending all of that money in vain.
💜Love & Light☀️,
CRISTEN M. MILLS
