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Trump masks sold out in Japan

13 Comments
By Scott Wilson, RocketNews24

The recent U.S. election has already had, and will continue to have effects all over the world. But one sector that no one expected has had one of the biggest effects of them all: sales of rubber Donald Trump masks in Japan.

Ogawa Studios, the creator of the popular Trump mask, is one of the most popular manufacturers of rubber masks in Japan. They have everything from politicians to monsters to celebrities all available to wear via their special brand of not-quite-right-and-therefore-creepy rubber masks.

But ever since Donald Trump’s recent victory in the U.S. election, sales of his mask have skyrocketed. Ogawa Studios sold out of the masks within a day, and has since put further sales on hold for fear that they wouldn’t be able to fulfill incoming orders.

The masks will be back up soon, with Ogawa Studio planning on producing more than ever before, but what caused the rush on people buying them? This is Japan, after all – what do Japanese people want with hundreds of masks of Donald Trump?

Japanese netizens offered up some of their theories:

“These masks are perfect for end of the year parties with co-workers, or to give as a Christmas gift.” “Maybe Japan is getting ready for its own Trump-like revolution?” “I mean, if you’re going to buy a mask of somebody, then you want it to be someone important. And right now there’s no one more important in the world.”

All valid points, though I hope the end of the year party preparation one is correct. Like most parties with coworkers in Japan, end of the year parties held in late November to late December are more or less just an excuse to get drunk.

Source: Nikkan Sports News via Hachima Kiko

Read more stories from RocketNews24. -- Why do Japanese people wear surgical masks? It’s not always for health reasons -- Sailor Moon cloth masks are here to protect you from germs the magical girl way! -- Panda and tiger face packs protect endangered species while they beautify your skin

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13 Comments
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I must admit, I have not seen an Abe mask.

I will confess, I don't go to these kind of parties where people wear masks, so I do not know if Abe masks are popular there. I do often see protesters near my work wearing Abe masks, though.

I am a bit uncomfortable with the idea that some people are able to be targeted with masks and others are not though. If there is a disrespectful element to making a mask of anyone then perhaps it should be so for all. Conversely, any public figure should be fair game. I tend to favour the latter. And I'd buy an Emperor mask.

hmm, you made an interesting point. I suppose a lot of us think laughing at a politician and laughing at the emperor are very different, so this might be something hypocritical about our society.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I must admit, I have not seen an Abe mask.

Not a lot to work with for comedy

I am not sure about that. That depends on the mind of the comedian.

I am a bit uncomfortable with the idea that some people are able to be targeted with masks and others are not though. If there is a disrespectful element to making a mask of anyone then perhaps it should be so for all. Conversely, any public figure should be fair game. I tend to favour the latter. And I'd buy an Emperor mask.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Do they do masks of Japanese politicians?

Yep, there's always Abe masks around. I don't understand the appeal of masks, really. I can make a huge idiot out of myself without needing a mask...

Or how about the royal family? Or would that be too disrespectful?

That would be considered disrespectful. Also, it's kind of pointless since the only thing most of us know about the royals is that they exist. Not a lot to work with for comedy, unlike politicians with their outbursts and so on.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Do they do masks of Japanese politicians? Or how about the royal family? Or would that be too disrespectful?

3 ( +3 / -0 )

I want Hilary too.....

1 ( +2 / -1 )

You know those Star Wars masks that changes your voice when you put it on. Like the Darth Vader one sounds like him when you speak. Somebody should create a Trump one.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Great people bringing great change are in demand, be it politically or... as masks.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Japanese Democrats buying those masks.Lol

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Sounds like the masks will turn up trumps in bounenkai or end of the year parties with co-workers. Yes, I want to get one for myself. :‑)

3 ( +3 / -0 )

It's truly unbelievable how popular the US election is in Japan. Four years ago when that twat Abe was elected only a few people made comments about the election. However, by total contrast, I've had so many people ask me about the US election it's become an annoyance, especially because I'm from Australia and couldn't give a fat rat's ball bag about it. I've even had elementary age kids ask me about it.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

A man wore one at a kids' Hallowe'en party I attended in Kobe last month. He really nailed the hand gestures, it was hilarious!

2 ( +4 / -2 )

I really can't think of any party where you would want to dress like Trump unless it's Hallowe'en or you're hiding your identity while groping or committing sexual assault and have a very poor sense of humor to boot.

3 ( +8 / -5 )

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