Just So You Know, I'm Sick

In Japan, people wear surgical type masks when they have a cold or the flu. People also wear them during allergy season, and as means of protection from said illnesses. It makes sense as we are a very crowded society smashed together on subways. I too, was raised with this culture so I don't notice it when I go home and see people--until I have a foreigner with me. Everyone I brought home have gasped and/or commented on the look. I can see how it would appear creepy to have crowds of people wearing masks.

We. Are. Mask. Wearing. Robots.
(www.news.janjan.jp)

And what's amazing is that now there are all sorts of different masks for different needs:

Masks for men
(www.livingincairns.com.au)

Masks for women
(www.saihatei.com)

Masks for kids

(blog.qlep.com)

Special allergy blocking masks
(item.rakuten.co.jp)

Masks with a slight curve so it sits better on your face, and...
(www.excite.co.jp)

Masks that have a small metal piece to shape it around your nose so that if you wear glasses, they won't fog up.

(item.rakuten.co.jp)

I suppose it's natural that if you use something often and a lot, people would put effort into improving it and making money from it. I have no idea if this is effective. I don't know if wearing masks has prevented others from getting sick. The amount of people wearing them during flu season is so much, it seems a bit pointless then. Are we trying not to mix up illnesses? Who knows? At least it appears as thoughtful. It's the equivalent of sneezing into your elbow, which I bet doesn't happen in Japan.

I don't see this trend taking off in the States anytime soon.