Photo: Value Press
lifestyle

Japanese shop introduces constantly grinning 'smile masks' to be more welcoming

17 Comments
By grape Japan

Face masks have been worn in Japan long before the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, but the pandemic has definitely made them a more integral aspect of daily life. This has led to some creative designs, such as transforming horror monster masksglowing gamer masks, and stylish masks for hostess club workers.

Japanese shop Takeya recently launched their "Smile Campaign" as a way of making staff look more "inviting" and friendly to customers by adding a realistic illustration of a human smile to standard employee masks.

The masks definitely are unique, but it's fair to say those not used to the fleshy grin might find it startling at first.

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© grape Japan

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

17 Comments
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How creepy..

15 ( +15 / -0 )

Well, OK, to be honest, those look a little weird to me.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

I wonder what it looks like when the mouth is smiling but the eyes look angry.

13 ( +13 / -0 )

That’s so creepy

11 ( +11 / -0 )

I have to parrot the the posters who wrote 'creepy.' You can take a good thought and go too far with it.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

If they had made it so that the whole mask was the Japanese so-called "flesh color," it might not be so creepy. But it looks like they just cut out a hole in the mask. I don't like it.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Why did they pick some guy with all jacked up teeth?

6 ( +6 / -0 )

There's a thin line between "welcoming" and "horrific".

7 ( +7 / -0 )

With this mask clerks don’t have to pretend to smile like they do now; less stressful for them as their job slips further into a humanity-free zone.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Oh god no. So creepy!! I'd rather not have a smile. Don't need one. Just need to pay for my stuff and go home to the smile of my lovely wife.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Completely transparent masks are the only answer. Bring back people's real faces.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Looks like a horror movie!

3 ( +3 / -0 )

these smiles are more fake than Judas ;). As mentioned... transparent masks would be better idea, showing real emotions, not fake smiles.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Frankly, I don't expect smiles from Japanese cashiers and clerks and other low-paid personnel. Just as I don't expect hugs and handshakes. Give me a genuine grouch if that's all they've got on that day. I can empathize with that and try to make the transaction a little less soulless.

When a smile is given as part of an interaction, if perhaps I've done something to connect with or uplift the spirit of someone offering me a service, it means so much more.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Kowai-yo!

But really, though... Why So Serious?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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