Day 94 of writing every day.
The official policy on masks in Japan was relaxed on March 13, 2023. This meant that the limitations on indoor events and mask usage is no longer mandatory and only suggested when crowded for many businesses. For work however, many companies seem to have opted to require employees to continue to mask up, as the threat of COVID is still apparently not over.
To my knowledge, a lot of countries have gone pretty much masks optional before Japan has. Though requirements have relaxed in Japan, many still continue to be cautious and mask up. Of course, there are those who’ve ignored mask requirements and have gone mask-less or just used them to cover their chins from the beginning who proudly maintain their mask free lifestyle.
It might not all be worries about viruses, but pollen and dirty air, however. The recent warming temperatures brought by spring has triggered seasonal releases of huge amounts of pollen. This triggers unwanted allergy symptoms such as hay fever, itchy eyes, runny nose, and coughing.
Perhaps when it gets hotter will more people reconsider the decision to keep remaining masked.
Interest in the daily number of confirmed reported infections of COVID has waned so much no one really bothers reading and no outlet bothers posting them. And to think so many had their eyes peeled waiting to see how many people got infected in a day.
When the discomfort of a mask covering your face in hot and humid weather gets to more people, I’m confident more will finally ditch the mask. I personally put it on out of habit but have decided to ditch it unless the train is really crowded or at work where the office still requires employees to cover up. I don’t mind as it can help protect against unpleasant smells, especially in a crowded restroom.
Well the title was really just clickbait for people interested in the exotic wonders of Japan, but really, there’s nothing exotic going on. Sorry.
Thanks for reading!
One Chance Works 