Where To Buy Pollution Masks In Japan

Face masks have been a part of Japanese culture for about 150 years, with the oldest masks being used by miners in the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine. In modern times, masks are worn in Japan for a variety of reasons, including preventing the spread of illness, protecting against pollen and air pollution, and as a fashion statement. While the Japanese government has dropped its guidance for masking outdoors, many people in Japan continue to wear masks in public places, and masks can be easily found in drugstores and convenience stores throughout the country.

KOWA masks are available in drug and convenience stores

In Japan, wearing surgical-style masks to prevent the spread of illness has become a part of social etiquette. The custom was spurred on by the H1N1 influenza epidemic of 2009, and now there is a huge variety of masks on sale. KOWA masks are available in drug and convenience stores throughout Japan.

KOWA masks are high-performance 5-layer masks that protect you from catching a cold and causing hay fever. They cut 99% of bacteria in the air. The soft string used to keep your ears from getting hurt. The nose fitter and form-fit design on the sides block the gaps between your nose and the mask, preventing infiltration through the gaps and fog on glasses. The mask keeps space between your mouth so you won't feel discomfort while wearing it.

The Three Dimensional Contour Fit Surgical Face Mask is another option from KOWA. This mask helps prevent viruses, pollen, and even air pollution PM 2.5. With the nose fitter, side blocker, and under blocker, it screens out 99% of micro-particles in the air. Equipped with a high-spec filter, the mask fits your face well and blocks gaps even when you move around.

The KOWA mask range also includes a light herb-scented mask, designed especially for ladies. Makeup is not easy to come off when wearing this mask, and there are five different scents to choose from.

Masks are worn for social anxiety and conformity

In Japan, masks are widely available in drug stores and convenience stores. Masks are worn to prevent the spread of illness and protect against air pollution and pollen.

Wearing masks has become a part of social etiquette in Japan, with one in three women under 30 reporting that they have worn masks to hide their faces, with the main reason being that they were not wearing makeup. The media has also discussed the growing number of young people using masks due to social anxiety and awkwardness. Masks can provide a sense of security and self-concealment for individuals with social anxiety, as they obscure important facial cues needed for social communication. This can reduce the fear of negative evaluation and negative emotions in social situations.

The demand for conformity in Japanese culture, which prioritizes group harmony, also plays a role in mask-wearing. Masks can be a self-protective action to prevent or reduce the severity of perceived negative feelings and social pressure. The act of wearing masks increases similarity among individuals and can help individuals avoid social isolation.

Additionally, masks can enhance facial modification and be used as a strategy to enhance self-attractiveness. Some companies are creating masks with colorful designs or masks that make the face look smaller to appeal to fashion-conscious young women.

Masks are worn to prevent illness and infection

In Japan, masks are worn primarily to prevent the spread of illness and have become a part of social etiquette. The custom was spurred on by the H1N1 influenza epidemic of 2009, and now there is a huge variety of masks available for purchase in drugstores and convenience stores. These include standard masks with filters made from nonwoven cloth, and high-performance multi-layered masks, such as those produced by KOWA and Clever.

KOWA masks, for example, have five layers and are designed to prevent the wearer from catching a cold or developing hay fever. They cut 99% of bacteria in the air and are equipped with a nose fitter and form-fit design to block gaps between the nose and the mask. The mask also keeps space between the mouth to prevent discomfort.

Clever is another Japanese firm that produces high-tech masks. Their masks have nine layers of filters and are said to kill 99% of viruses. The manufacturer donated 10,000 masks to health workers in Guinea, Liberia, and Congo during the Ebola outbreak.

While the effectiveness of masks in preventing viral infection has been debated, with some studies finding no significant reduction in influenza transmission with mask usage, masks can still provide a barrier against respiratory droplets. For instance, N95 masks can filter particles as small as 0.3 microns and thus may prevent a majority of respiratory droplets from escaping. Lab testing has also shown that surgical masks can block up to 75% of particles measuring between 0.02 microns and 1 micron, while cloth masks block between 30% and 60% of particles in the same size range.

To ensure masks provide the most protection, it is important to follow proper protocols, such as keeping the mask untouched and changing it if it becomes displaced. Additionally, it is important to maintain good breath freshness and skin hygiene when wearing a mask. This includes brushing teeth well, avoiding scented lotions or perfumes, and applying a gentle face moisturiser.

Masks are worn to prevent pollen allergies

In Japan, masks are widely available and worn for a variety of reasons, including preventing the spread of illness and protecting against air pollution. While I could not find definitive evidence that these masks are specifically marketed for pollution reduction, it is clear that masks are a common sight in Japan and offer some level of protection against air pollutants.

Now, onto the topic of masks for pollen allergies. Pollen allergies, also known as hay fever, affect tens of millions of people annually. Symptoms include itchy eyes, a runny nose, coughing, and sneezing. With climate change lengthening and intensifying pollen seasons, the impact on allergy sufferers is significant.

To manage pollen allergies, doctors recommend various measures, including the use of allergy medications such as oral and nasal antihistamines, and nasal steroid sprays. In addition to medical treatments, there are behavioural adjustments that can help alleviate symptoms, such as regularly changing clothes and showering after being outdoors, rinsing the eyes and nose with saline, and keeping windows and doors closed to prevent pollen from entering the home.

One effective way to protect against pollen allergies is to wear a mask, specifically a KN95 mask. These masks are designed to filter out airborne particles, including pollen, and provide a simple solution to managing allergies. They are made with multiple layers of material, including a non-woven fabric that effectively captures small particles. When choosing a KN95 mask, it is important to ensure it is certified by reputable organizations like the FDA or NIOSH, and that it fits snugly over the nose and mouth to prevent pollen from entering the airways.

In addition to wearing masks, allergy sufferers are advised to stay indoors during periods of high pollen counts and to take precautions with pets that spend time outdoors, such as wiping them down and giving them frequent baths to remove pollen from their fur. By combining medical treatments, behavioural adjustments, and protective measures like masks, individuals with pollen allergies can effectively manage their symptoms and enjoy the outdoors during spring.

Masks are now a fashion item

In Japan, masks have been a part of social etiquette since the H1N1 influenza epidemic in 2009. Initially, masks were worn to prevent the spread of illness. However, over time, masks have become increasingly fashionable, with companies introducing colourful designs and masks that make the face look smaller—a continuing craze in Japan. Black masks, mainly for men, were also popular at Tokyū Hands in early 2015.

The COVID-19 pandemic further contributed to the normalisation of mask-wearing worldwide. Even as COVID-19 cases decline and restrictions ease, many people continue to wear masks, indicating that masks have become a fashion trend in the post-pandemic era. Some people may feel social pressure to continue wearing masks, while others enjoy the opportunity to express their personal style and values through their choice of mask.

The market has responded to this trend, with companies like MaskLab collaborating with fashion designers, artists, and illustrators to create unique and fashionable masks. These masks can complement an outfit, allowing individuals to stand out and express their fashion sense.

The functionality and style of masks have made them a statement accessory. People consider seasonal trends, with pastel hues for spring, whimsical prints for summer, and cozy knits for fall. The fashion industry's focus on sustainability has also influenced mask design, with reusable masks made from organic cotton, bamboo, or recycled fabrics gaining popularity among environmentally conscious consumers.

The evolution of masks from a health necessity to a fashion accessory is evident in the variety of options available in drugstores and convenience stores in Japan and beyond. Masks have become a significant accessory in the fashion world, with individuals coordinating their masks with their outfits and adding mask chains and lanyards to elevate their overall look.

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