Extended Use Of Masks Leaves Japan Struggling As People Have 'Forgotten How To Smile'

As Japan gradually lifts its mask mandate, the nation grapples with the aftermath of prolonged mask usage. In response, "smile practice seminars" have surfaced nationwide to address the reported loss of smiles among the population.

One such seminar, hosted by the company "Egaoiku" (meaning "smile education"), drew approximately 30 participants at a Tokyo senior care center earlier this month, as reported by The Mainichi newspaper.?

Initially conducted online during stricter regulations, these workshops have experienced a surge in attendance since the rules eased.

According to data, the number of attendees between February and April this year has seen a remarkable 4.5-fold increase compared to the same period in 2022.

Akiko Takizawa, a 79-year-old attendee, revealed that due to limited social interactions during the COVID-19 crisis, she had lost opportunities to display her smile to others.

She highlighted the significance of these seminars, stating: "I am reminded how important smiles can be."

Keiko Kawano, the founder of Egaoiku, shares her insights with her students, emphasizing the importance of the seminars by saying: "A smile is only a smile if it’s conveyed.

"Even if you’re thinking about smiling or that you’re happy if you have no expression, it won’t reach the audience,"?she told the Japan Times.

She sheds light on the necessity for the people of Japan to undergo some training as they transition back into a mask-free life.

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"Culturally, smiling and doing so with teeth hasn’t always been appropriate in Japan, and you can speak Japanese without moving your mouth too much."

Kyoko Miyamoto, a 74-year-old who received the training, said, "I think there’s some fear and shyness with the movement to take masks off.

"Plus, people have been wearing masks for so long that they might have even forgotten what their friends’ faces looked like."

In the 45-minute class, students diligently exercise their cheek, mouth, and neck muscles to regain their smiles.

Miho Kitano, the proprietor of 'Egao Hyojokin Kyokai,' another smile training company, shared with the Telegraph the surge in demand for one-on-one coaching sessions priced at ?64.

"A smile has to be natural to get through to the other person," Miho says. "But for anyone who does not smile much, the brain forgets how to use the facial muscles.

"We have to use and train them [the facial muscles] to get good at it [smiling]."

Kitano has gained recognition for her unique method of using a straw to assist individuals in exercising their cheekbones and mouth. She instructs them to gently bite on the straw while elevating their cheek muscles to expose their upper teeth.

In March, Hitoshi Oshitani, a professor at Tohoku University and a key figure in Japan's COVID response, shared his perspective with Reuters.

"I think many people will be wearing masks even after the rules are relaxed."

Even before the pandemic, wearing masks was already ingrained in the culture.

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