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Image: Shunsuke Kawai (@SHUN_macher) - image used with permission
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How to ease your way into wearing an 'edgy' black mask in Japan

11 Comments
By grape Japan

The spread of the novel coronavirus infection has caused many people to wear face masks in their daily lives.

Face masks come in many colors, but the most common color in Japan is white. Before the pandemic, black face masks were hardly seen. Although they've become more commonplace now, many people in Japan still avoid them for two main reasons: First, they stand out due to their relative rarity and many people don't like drawing attention to themselves. Second, particularly in the minds of Japanese people in their 40s or older, wearing a black mask carries a negative impression associated with groups of delinquents or antisocial behavior.

However, especially among younger generations, black masks are increasingly seen as fashionable and acceptable to wear. As a result, there are probably people who are now considering wearing one but may not yet have the courage to do so.

Mask colors transitioning over a period of 7 days

Twitter user Shunsuke Kawai (@SHUN_macher) found a product that could be perfect for those who are considering wearing a black mask but are concerned about the reaction of their colleagues or friends if they suddenly switch from white to black.

It's a set of seven masks in colors that progressively change from white to black.

Screen-Shot-2022-04-05-at-9.50.58.png
"I want to be friends with whoever thought of this product."

The product is sold by "Village Vanguard," a retail store that offers a variety of goods, including books.

The store seems to be marketing this mask to "people who want to wear a black mask but are embarrassed to do so."

The package says, "It slowly gets closer to black so you don't have to worry about people around you. Now, in 7 days, you can have the black mask of your dreams."

The post elicited many comments, such as:

"If we change the color according to the increase or decrease in the number of new infections, it could be like a 'walking warning sign.'"

"This idea is awesome! I might want to give it a try."

"For a moment I didn't understand what it meant, but when I did, I burst out laughing!"

It's nice to change colors once in a while, and if you want to wear a black mask but are hesitating, this could be one way to do so!

You can buy the masks here while supplies last.

Read more stories from grape Japan.

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© grape Japan

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

11 Comments
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Didn’t wear a mask overseas on my latest trip nor in the UK as it is not relevant now.

People should not be wearing masks outside as there is no reason to.

The pandemic has ended in many countries but Japan’s government keeps the population continually spooked.

Witness the PM, foreign minister etc abroad and naturally not asked up.

Back in Japan the pretense reappears-madness

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Before the pandemic, black face masks were hardly seen.

So was any mask of any color, because there was no pandemic for which to wear masks, and allergy season was still months away.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I could care less what people think. I wear black masks because it hides everything from running noses to accidental drool or other possible dirt or stain mishaps, and cosmetically as well as visually they look cleaner, you don't have to worry at all if you are wearing a black mask.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

By wearing a darker mask every day, people might get the impression that it is the same mask getting filthier day by day.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

I currently wear a mask with a Moomin design on it.

I have three of them.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Years ago, and years before the emergence of Covid-19, on my first visit to Shanghai where a large proportion of people wear face masks to filter out diesel particulates I had to laugh because it seemed like the trendier young ladies wore black face masks where most of us just used a white or surgical mask. It seemed like the black face mask was a way to make a statement in a society where one had to exercise some care about expressing themselves.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I've always worn black masks, apart from when they were too hard to buy a couple years back.

Agree with above post, if worrying about what people think of you wearing a black mask is the biggest problem in your world, then you're in a very fortunate position in todays world.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Is this real life? Are adults really this childish?

Just wear a black mask. You don't need someone to hold your hand while you do it.

Nobody cares what color mask you wear except maybe your boss.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

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