We here in Malaysia and many other countries in the world took to wearing masks as a result of the swine flu outbreak which is becoming a rather serious problem in our country. However, it seems that it is a social norm in Japan. The face masks have been a part of everyday streetwear there for decades. They have stylish face masks like the designs above and also funny ones with animal faces.The explanation for the Japanese people's fascination with the face mask is that they essentially like cleanliness and hygiene. They want to protect themselves at all cost from outside diseases.
Furthermore, social etiquette in Japan also dictates that people don't just wear masks to protect themselves, but also to shield others from their own germs when they catch a cold.
If this pandemic doesn't go away soon, I think I want to get me some of them fancy looking face masks so that I can look interesting.
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