The Real Reason Why Japanese People Wear Surgical Masks

In Japan, surgical masks for the layman have quickly become a multi-million dollar industry. People may have started out wearing these face coverings for health reasons, but the masks now have a multitude of uses, the least of which is to prevent the spread of germs.

Many people assume the Japanese wear surgical masks because they’re sick, but the number one reason for wearing them is actually due to allergies. Disposable face masks marketed specifically to allergy sufferers first appeared on the market in 2003. Unlike their predecessors, these masks were cheap, disposable and easy to use. The new masks featured unwoven material, which the company claimed created a barrier to help block out pollen and other allergy triggers, making your hay fever much more bearable.

Avoiding allergens is the top reason for wearing a mask

As the mask became a common sight in Japan, people began to use them for more than just cold and allergy season, however. Masks with fun patterns or brand logos turned them into a fashion accessory, and not always for show. Wearing a disposable mask has the practical use of keeping your face warm in the colder months. And no matter what the season, they can also be used as a quick cover-up when you don’t feel like showing the world your no-makeup face.

Masks still come in handy when you’re sick

And, of course, people do continue to use the masks for health reasons as well. Sales jump during cold and flu outbreaks and public health scares. In high-density cities where people spend hours each day in close quarters with strangers, masks offer a bit of protection from the spread of airborne illness, and so much more.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.