Surgical masks

Ha ha!  Surgical masks?  Sure!  I'd wear one!  Lol.  I thought the characters just wore those for fun in anime that I watch.  Lol.

(ID #42943) Posted on 2007/01/13 00:22

reply to Demacrez's comment

We do have people who wear mask like this over here in Singapore. I do not think it's really culture specific to Japan. 

The top 2 reasons for them to do so would probably be "They are sick and dont want their evil germs to infect others." or "They are not sick but dont want to catch any evil germs from others (or the environment)". When the Haze was over here, many could be seen with the masks. 

Of course, I was hoping there would be one that wear it because they have no mouth :p 

(ID #42944) Posted on 2007/01/13 00:24

reply to windbell's comment

Here in Hong Kong, we are encouraged to wear a mask when sick. I don't lol. It's kinda uncomfortable to wear one anyway. 

(ID #437739) Posted on 2009/01/06 19:51

reply to Shoot201 is's comment

Really? My parents never anything about that. I also never seen anyone wearing one of those either. 

Been a long while since I left though. ^_^;

(ID #438544) Posted on 2009/01/07 12:00

reply to Flawless EXA's comment

I always thought it was some Asian thing... especially after seeing so many people wearing them during the SARS scare ^^;

(ID #438659) Posted on 2009/01/07 13:36

reply to afatcow's comment

i saw the same kind of thing in pakistan the last time i went there, except people were covering their faces to stop breathing in pollution when they were on the roads.

(ID #42945) Posted on 2007/01/13 00:28

reply to OMNI Strike's comment

Same here in germany, 
but some are to polite and decrease the spray radius using the hands, but maybe that's only because they think spreading it via hand to hand contact is more effective. ^^

(ID #197345) Posted on 2008/05/26 18:31

reply to tarsier's comment

Indeed. Sadly.

Masks is really the way to go, but I guess wearing one over here in Germany would pull a ton of attention, so I don't.

I'd prolly get myself one if I was sick over in Japan.

(ID #438144) Posted on 2009/01/07 04:31

reply to Halconnen's comment

Danny, I would refer on your own post, which is "Japan and smoking". I would not mind wearing a mask for health.

Some countries like France banned smoking in restaurants and such because studies proved the danger of passive tabagism.

But if the waiters wore surgical masks at the beginning, they would not have respiratory troubles at all...

I wonder if besides that, major cities in Japan are that polluted and full of smog? I'm not sure. 

Any answer on that?

(ID #42947) Posted on 2007/01/13 00:39

reply to D_Blade's comment

What about the eye-patch thing that Japanese school girls like to wear?

(ID #42948) Posted on 2007/01/13 00:43

reply to Zer0's comment

Well when I was in Taiwan, it wasn't uncommon to see every other person wear a mask because the air quality was just horrid. There was car exhaust EVERYWHERE and I found it very hard to breathe. I can't believe that L.A.'s air is actually cleaner than Taipei's.

(ID #42949) Posted on 2007/01/13 00:46

reply to Nagi Springfield's comment

I think that despite their odd looks, they are a great idea. In the UK, when one of your workmates have the sniffles, you are guarunteed that by the week after, everyone will have a stinkin' cold.
Its a very considerate thing to do, despite the scary mad doctor image.

Other than bike couriers, ive never seen anyone wearing one of those hi-tech ninja masks that you use though! They look well cool! Sub Zero/ Scorpion style!

(ID #42950) Posted on 2007/01/13 00:46

reply to AndyH's comment

I beginning to think the wearing of mask is spreading.  No pun intended there...  I have seen a few non-Asians in the U.S. wearing mask when sick.  We do have a large population of Japanese here in southeastern Michigan.  Although, I had seen many people where I lived in Florida wearing mask.
I don't have a bad reaction to pollen in the spring or fall, but dust can set me off almost in the same way.  Danny, when you wear your respirator mask in the spring, how do you decide how long and when to start and stop wearing it?

(ID #42952) Posted on 2007/01/13 00:48

reply to Edward's comment

Mask wearing sofar is unique to Japan, simply becos of its culture and circu,stances.
I cant exactly remembered when was that picked up as a national "practice", shld be ard the era after they build the lines, where commuters are so jam packed that they practically breathe onto each other faces. I saw reports of that on the news when I was a little kid and it left a very deep impression in me, its one of the thing which added on to my perceived image of Japan(ese) as an enigmatic nation(people)


Peeps from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia will wear masks when the slash and burn in Indonesia gone seriously out of hand while the wind blows in unfav direction. (Tourists beware)

(ID #42956) Posted on 2007/01/13 01:58

reply to Huk's comment

Near enough the whole of asia will wear it. Chine, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Japan, Korea etc. Somehow, that mask makes you look like a professional surgeon.

(ID #42958) Posted on 2007/01/13 02:34

reply to SG's comment

People wear those kind of masks here too. I don't wear them though.  But if I had your mask then I'd think otherwise. heheh

(ID #42962) Posted on 2007/01/13 04:12

reply to BeLe's comment

Makes me wonder sometimes if wearing masks really does help (wouldn't germs leak?). Plus, smelling your own breath for a few hours doesn't seem appealing either. Your mask, on the other hand, looks scary.

(ID #42963) Posted on 2007/01/13 04:52

reply to djet0's comment

kinda odd, i see them on the news sometimes when they take clips in hk or japan. people wearing masks for some reason, i was like... okay. atleast we dont wear masks here in canada... well just in the hospital and that sars crisis. >_

(ID #42964) Posted on 2007/01/13 05:16

reply to Hachiko's comment

I've never seen anyone in the US wear those masks in public.  However, I've seen it quite often in Asian countries.  Although, if I were you Danny, I'd wear that respro mask every day in public.  That thing is badass!

(ID #42965) Posted on 2007/01/13 05:18

reply to Tom's comment

here in the north east its get really cold so i wear a neoprene mask to keep me warm when im out and about walking, yah they look silly but masks r good for many things, look at ninjas T.T

(ID #42970) Posted on 2007/01/13 06:39

reply to penpen's comment

when i came to Japan thats one of the things i noticed i thought people were crazy XD

(ID #42971) Posted on 2007/01/13 06:47

reply to Kira Yamato's comment

NickC1, 
yeah I remember those days. ^^ although I think it was only in the areas of Richmond and Vancouver. I suspect the trend was influenced mostly by Canadians originally from Hong Kong. ^^

Danny,
you forgot 1 other reason: they might have been painting their gundams before going out, but forgot to take off their masks. ^^ kidding aside, I find that Japanese people seem to be one of the most considerate people around, wearing a surgical mask while going out so as not to infect people is an admirable gesture, moreover that it's practiced by the general populace. most other cultures wouldn't give a flying fig is the person next to him catches his or her germs. the worst I've seen was in one country where just about every person would hack and spit  anywhere and even pee right in the middle of the sidewalk. :p

(ID #42972) Posted on 2007/01/13 06:49

reply to marvin's comment

Marvin, that is so true. Us Americans are more self-centered and would rather care about themselves than about others. Another list added to why I want to move to Japan.. plus I could hang out with Danny. =D

I wonder though, if you cough into the mask, won't there be a build up of bacteria? So you'd have to wash it pretty often then.

(ID #42973) Posted on 2007/01/13 07:14

reply to Nagi Springfield's comment

Actually, I have worn a mask when I was sick.  People never gave me a weird look, but then again, I was at a Japanese eatery.  I'm pretty sure I wouldn't get a weird look wherever I'd go.

(ID #42974) Posted on 2007/01/13 08:06

reply to バタくん/Bata-kun's comment

You wouldn't need a surgical mask in the first place if you had a healthy strong immune system!

In america, people are overmedicated using medicine to cure every little thing. Just wait until some super virus comes and your unprepared... and it turn your organs in to liquid! haha.

This whole thing can be summed up: No i would not wear a mask, i get sick once a year! Grr.

(ID #42976) Posted on 2007/01/13 09:01

reply to Arrot's comment

Arrot
Same here :D I only get sick once a year, small flu or maybe a weak fever that will last only one day.
But if I get a bad flu I would like to try wearing a mask >_<
Danny's mask looks scary though. o_o
But if you're sick and you cough while wearing a surgical mask won't it feel nasty that you still have to wear the same mask? And if you cough a lot the mask will become slimy and when you take it off, there will be a lot of snot. o_o

I'm thinking too much. Hope I won't see any nightmares...

Anyways, I've never seen people wearing surgical masks here. Getting sick isn't that big thing here because there's not that much people compared to Japan for example. Our flus here isn't that bad.

(ID #438276) Posted on 2009/01/07 07:34

reply to Tivrusky's comment

Marvin
The Philippines, right?hahah

here, it would be an unusual thing to do if putting on a surgical mask when going out. People might think that you are crazy or sumthing to put a mask on while going out. IGNORANT, for short...

(ID #42978) Posted on 2007/01/13 11:55

reply to samejima's comment

Ive seen a few people here wear masks

at 1st i thought it was SARS.. but it wasnt really hahaha

(ID #42979) Posted on 2007/01/13 12:00

reply to Hyun-Bin's comment

Samejima,
Somewhere in China actually. the place gave me the first and most astounding culture shock of my life. my jaw dropped down to the ground and my brain froze when a girl suddenly pulled down her undies and pee right in front of me.
although now that you mentioned it, I know there are also some depressed areas in the Philippines that would probably fit the description I made earlier. ^^

(ID #42980) Posted on 2007/01/13 12:29

reply to marvin's comment

I think its a great culture but few places practice it though .. the only time I do see people wearing mask in my country is during the SARS period and maybe when the haze gets too hefty ..

(ID #42981) Posted on 2007/01/13 12:45

reply to Alafista OTAKU's comment

it's interesting how the way people wear masks here in Beijing...they would cover up their mouths, but leave their noses in the open air...sticking out from the top of the masks..

(ID #42982) Posted on 2007/01/13 13:46

reply to Linc_31's comment

Nagi,
I think those masks are disposable. ^^ 

Danny,
Sorry if I'm adding so much clutter to your comments area. btw did you get the email I sent yesterday?

(ID #42983) Posted on 2007/01/13 15:20

reply to marvin's comment

I think westerners should adopt this idea so that people don't spread the viruses around whenever the cold season hits...

(ID #42985) Posted on 2007/01/13 17:42

reply to thor777's comment

One thing I read about Japan is that forestry service has a policy of replanting all the decimated forests with cedar trees.  There are lots of places you can go in the country-side where you see forests of cedars planted in neat rows.  Cedar of course has lots of pollen, so all the poor chaps who get hayfever get it extra bad.

(ID #42986) Posted on 2007/01/13 20:10

reply to ninjascience's comment

Seems Like a good idea and I think I'd do it if I had to.  In NY I've seen people wearing them, but from what I remember they were asian, so I don't know if that makes a difference.

(ID #42987) Posted on 2007/01/13 20:40

reply to Negative's comment

Hi,
In Brussels I saw a few (respro masks), mostly bikers to avoid inhaling car exhausts...some folks too but less than bikers..it's still quite uncommon here...
I would'n mind...however my mask should then be equipped with a voice chip kind'a like 
......shhhh, shh, LUKE...I AM YOUR...
oops there I go again ^!^

(ID #42988) Posted on 2007/01/13 21:37

reply to krapou's comment

I can give you input from two cultures, one from Eastern Europe (where I lived fro 14 years) and one from USA (where I live now). It is not common in these two cultures to actually wear masks to prevent spread of your own germs or from getting other people's germs. I actually knew about this Japanese thing a while ago. I did see women one time on a public bus where I live with a mask on. No, no one was actually staring at her, but still she is the only person I ever saw and she was Asian. It’s possible she was from Japan.

(ID #42992) Posted on 2007/01/14 00:32

reply to Boris's comment

I admire how (most) Japanese people feel responsible for the wellness of their community. The people in the States can care no less about sneezing onto someone.

(ID #42993) Posted on 2007/01/14 01:45

reply to alphas's comment

When i went two japan two years ago, i wore a mask just for the fun of it.

(ID #42997) Posted on 2007/01/14 04:32

reply to No Name's comment

To us it just looks plain silly to wear. We're not so keep on hygene = /.
But in HK some people will wear it. 

(ID #43002) Posted on 2007/01/15 05:13

reply to Shoot201 is's comment

Have you gotten any models lately? cause i havnt seen u post much about models lately.

(ID #43020) Posted on 2007/01/15 17:11

reply to No Name's comment

No Name,
No Gunpla lately but new figures at the end of this month.

k.c.a,
Having a bit of a problem - working on it now.

Edward,
When I stop sneezing in doors is when I dont need to wear it anymore ^^;

Zer0,
Not too sure but it looks cute.

D_Blade,
The air here seems to be clear form my point of view.

(ID #43030) Posted on 2007/01/16 00:31

reply to Danny Choo's comment

i would tottaly wear them, getting sick isnt fun! also keeping your germs to youself is a nice thing to do.

(ID #43033) Posted on 2007/01/16 02:39

reply to Marcus Tyr's comment

fans of japanese punk rock bands in the 80's would sometimes wear surgical masks. Usually black ones.

(ID #43580) Posted on 2007/01/30 05:27

reply to dw2k6's comment

I have a surgerical mask, but it's cover of blood... not mine, i use it for paint or spray my gunpla. Use it in public yeah for the fun ^^. But in france this action was considered like act of crazy, or act of stupid man...

but it's a good idea for protect himself against the pollen if you have hayfever (hayfever i don't know before that was mean "rhume des foins" in english ^^ thank danny in your site i learn a lot of word ^^)

(ID #51552) Posted on 2007/07/13 13:47

reply to Anarko_bizounours's comment

ya i believe it's a japan thing. people don't do that in singapore. it'll attract weird stares. ^^,

(ID #70534) Posted on 2008/01/24 12:34

reply to gordon's comment

kinda curious i`ve only spooted foreigners to do that in public here in my country i think it depends of the culture perception....however, really nice infering you did in the posts but i don't think they are wearing them because they are aliens XDDD

(ID #70582) Posted on 2008/01/24 20:10

reply to tsukishi69's comment

Well I think this is only common in Japan, I haven't seen anybody wearing one outside a hospital, in Germany. But it is a pretty interesting idea, maybe we should start to do so too.

(ID #70585) Posted on 2008/01/24 20:37

reply to janken's comment

Funny, even in the office!

(ID #183875) Posted on 2008/05/09 05:15

reply to enguyen's comment

It might be common in Japan, but it certainly isn't isolated there.  Many other Asian countries have the same practice as well.

(ID #197068) Posted on 2008/05/26 09:36

reply to euphoria's comment

I kinda wish people here would do that when they're sick... sitting beside someone coughing up a lung and not covering their mouth for a whole class during school isn't fun.

(ID #197074) Posted on 2008/05/26 09:56

reply to Calan's comment

I mostly see people wearing the masks who are Japanese or Chinese here. Nobody else wears them though.

(ID #197095) Posted on 2008/05/26 10:39

reply to tammie86's comment

not that i'm racist or anything but the only ones who wear masks in public are Asian people oh! & they also wear gloves (i don't why)
sure i'd wear a mask but i mean wha's the point??? i'm still gonna catch a cold or any other disease right? 

(ID #197108) Posted on 2008/05/26 11:23

reply to lin-da-kenobi's comment

I usually wear one when I have a cold.

I hate for people to get sick because of me.

(ID #197121) Posted on 2008/05/26 11:44

reply to -Chaheese-'s comment

Uhhh....the only people who wear surgical masks in Los Angeles are elderly Korean people. 

As a Latino, i guess everyone else in L.A., we don't take care of ourselves so we spread our germs all over the place. I'd consider wearing one but since no one my age does it then i won't bother.

Sucks since i have allergies right now and i catch colds a lot.

(ID #197133) Posted on 2008/05/26 12:03

reply to The Lyrical Loli's comment

I wish people would wear them in the U.S.  Nothing like having a student come up coughing in my face asking if they can leave class to go home sick.  Totally sucks.

(ID #197197) Posted on 2008/05/26 13:24

reply to macrossfan's comment

If I worked for Micro$oft I would do it!! for shure!!

(ID #197209) Posted on 2008/05/26 13:47

reply to ceasol's comment

do you really get to wear a bad*ss mask like that during the haying seasons? 
i have to sneeze in a handkerchief!

(ID #197251) Posted on 2008/05/26 15:12

reply to graeble.'s comment

I'd wear those surgical! I'd then write LOVE or whatever on it for double fun...

(ID #197289) Posted on 2008/05/26 16:31

reply to lostandfound's comment

I don't know but I've seen several people wearing one. Sometimes I'm pretty sure they're those recovering from chemoteraphy. Though I don't think many wear it in public

(ID #197474) Posted on 2008/05/27 00:04

reply to xanthe's comment

Back when SARS first broke out, it was really bad here when everyone was wearing masks. In fact, people actually thought you weird if you don't wear one. 

Luckily for me, I was studying abroad then so I was away from the trouble, but it's still frightening that this disease had a 10% death rate, and my family were at risk.

Since then, it's become custom for people to wear masks when they're very ill. Another plus side of the epidemic is that there're now less people spitting in the streets.

(ID #197489) Posted on 2008/05/27 00:28

reply to Kinny Riddle's comment

I wouldn't mind people doing this during cold/flu season. We actually have a box of these on the wall for people to wear while in the clinic to help the "Evil Germs" from getting everywhere :)

(ID #197693) Posted on 2008/05/27 06:29

reply to NeoTrunks's comment

I remember those days of wearing a mask when the SARS epidemic struck, it was a rather troublesome affair, seeing as my mask usually stank after a while.

Still, it was a necessary precaution, and it did help curb the disease.

And LOL@your last reason, danny. XD

(ID #197698) Posted on 2008/05/27 06:35

reply to Certifiably Insane's comment

I was extremely puzzled about the surgical masks as well, I've never seen anything even close to that over here.

(ID #197716) Posted on 2008/05/27 07:12

reply to ETERNAL's comment

 Never seen that in the States, unless i was around a hospital. I'd wear one just for kicks, since it seems so foreign to me.  

 in regards to the masks:

 "They are not designed to protect the wearer from inhaled particles."

"Viral particles are far too small to be effectively filtered by the fibres of a regular surgical mask. Thus, a mask wearer would not be less likely to catch a viral disease than someone not wearing a mask. However, an already infected person wearing a mask may slightly reduce his chances of infecting others, as it may catch droplets of fluid expelled during sneeze or cough"

 Well seems like a waste of time to me...... 

(ID #435674) Posted on 2009/01/05 05:16

reply to Emperor's Hand's comment

It happens in my area as well. It basically comes down to how tolerant of certain things a person is, or how alergic they are to something. Alot of teh young kids I see around flu season start wearing them, cuz Mom said so. 

And Danny I think you forgot one reason. And by all mean sthis sint meant to be rude.

7. They are a cancer patient under going radiation therapy or cemo.

(ID #437671) Posted on 2009/01/06 18:08

reply to FlashFire's comment

I wish they did that here. I feel so embarrassed when I'm sick and coughing in class. Especially in those close quarters that lecture halls put you in. I hate feeling someone else's cough on me. Makes me feel sick (eugh).

(ID #437677) Posted on 2009/01/06 18:15

reply to JamesJoyceYes's comment

I saw a lady wearing one last friday. As for me, I wouldn't mind wearing one.

(ID #437680) Posted on 2009/01/06 18:28

reply to Toxyn's comment

Only time I saw those masks in the uk were years ago when there was that huge SARS epidemic and loads of asians were seriously ill or dying from it. I would see sometimes on the news, Asian people who were coming over to England were often arriving into the country wearing those masks.

Other then that, I've never seen it.

(ID #437701) Posted on 2009/01/06 19:02

reply to aquilla's comment

I am starting to wonder when PC-based virus have become public. XP

(ID #437715) Posted on 2009/01/06 19:17

reply to Ninja Poe Bear's comment

in California, ive never seen anyone wearing mask in public... everyone will think i have HIV or some dangerous decease... O.o tho if i was in Japan i wouldnt mind ;p

(ID #437729) Posted on 2009/01/06 19:38

reply to vuna's comment

Those mask don't work very well, I'm telling you. I think that the effect might be exactly the opposite. Coughing and sneezing exist for a reason, which is to get rid of all bacteria and viruses from  your body. When you wear a mask not only they are stay near instead of going away but also get a nice and comfy place to live inside your mask and you even warm it up for them using your breath. I think that surgical mask should be used by healthy people (doctors & nurses) cause when dealing with sick people (for example during operations) even a harmless to a normal healthy humans bacteria can be deadly. 

(ID #437740) Posted on 2009/01/06 19:52

reply to Abi-kun's comment

Probably specific to Asia, haven't heard of people doing this Europe or America.

(ID #437780) Posted on 2009/01/06 20:52

reply to Harts's comment

 I've never seen anyone here with a surgical mask on the streets. Though I've seen photos of Chinese people with masks... and Japanese too. I thought the cause was the air pollution.

(ID #437789) Posted on 2009/01/06 21:09

reply to うちは サスケ's comment

will use it if getting cold or sick or afraid of sars and avian influensa !!

(ID #437824) Posted on 2009/01/06 21:31

reply to miku2's comment

It was only used here when SARS was an OMG thing and when terrible haze strikes.

(ID #437863) Posted on 2009/01/06 22:16

reply to lerry[maru]'s comment

I remember a year in Malaysia when the haze was so bad that everybody started wearing surgical masks to filter out the pollution. And there was a funny one where I saw a guy with the mask on, and removing it every few minutes to smoke his cigarette! What's the point? I think its just a case of doing what your neighbour does most of the time ^_^

(ID #437946) Posted on 2009/01/06 23:47

reply to bis2501's comment

Well isn't is considered rude to sneeze in public in Japan? 

(ID #438011) Posted on 2009/01/07 01:23

reply to Teclo's comment

In the USA only people who wear masks in public are the ones who have Tuberculosis. If 'you' go around wearing a mask outside in your neighborhood I am not sure good things will happen for you from others in the area from then on. There is a fear here of catching weird diseases but nothing like I have seen over there. 

Also most masks are only good for like going in the attic to repel attic dust and insulation once on for 20 minutes they become moist from breathing through them and are basically useless after that. Coughing and sneezing in a mask would splatter your face if you were sick with stuff so that wouldn't work well either - instant change and full face clean would be needed. 

Most things one catches are from contact from ones fingers to their mouth or nose and we do that motion instinctively with out even knowing it all the time.

(ID #438111) Posted on 2009/01/07 03:46

reply to Rusting's comment

Seems like a great thing to do to me, stop yourself and workmates getting ill.

(ID #438134) Posted on 2009/01/07 04:18

reply to RogueTrooper's comment

I think it sounds like a sensible thing to do, I actually dicussed this with my parents a few weeks back but there response was similar to o_0. I have actually thought of doing it myself if i'm being honest, especially with all the bugs and viruses going round this time of year but round here I would be deemed and labelled as 'Weird' from the people who can't accept something new and different...

(ID #438173) Posted on 2009/01/07 05:12

reply to Dragonic's comment

Gah! They have discovered the secret of people not having mouths! Aliens! Aliens!~

(ID #438203) Posted on 2009/01/07 06:00

reply to MasterSkirtChaser's comment

I do on occassion in the Spring and Summer when I do garden work because to allergies and in the office when I'm sick. I don't see a big deal about it.

(ID #438215) Posted on 2009/01/07 06:29

reply to Ed Gomez's comment

Last time we went to Japan my friend wore that mask nearly the whole trip. Afterwards it was look who are you again?

(ID #438224) Posted on 2009/01/07 06:38

reply to Hidden Oasis's comment

Over here everyone uses hankerchiefs...pretty soon those hankerchiefs will be tainted with germs and bodily fluids that it'll be considered a hazard too lol.

(ID #438245) Posted on 2009/01/07 06:56

reply to Kyone's comment

Question: How does one sneeze when wearing a mask? I'm sure you would have to sneeze into the mask once in a while. The mask would not be too hygienic after that sneeze. Do people carry multiple masks with them?

(ID #438258) Posted on 2009/01/07 07:15

reply to redmango's comment

I've only ever seen one person on my college campus use it and he was coughing pretty badly...gotta say I was glad that he had it on...

(ID #438432) Posted on 2009/01/07 10:41

reply to silent1134's comment

Wearing surgical mask should be a good example to follow in here...

(ID #438579) Posted on 2009/01/07 12:34

reply to phossil's comment

I've only seen people wearing masks in Brazil 2 times.
Once, it was someone HIV positive... HAD to use it since it was a matter of life and death.
Second time... otakus. And it was more like cosplaying than anything else.

I'm probably the only one that use it sometimes to avoid getting sick.
Since there are just too many ignorant people that not only keeps coughing at your face without even covering their mouths with their hands.

Guess there are lots of brazillians who don't even know that they can infect others that way...

When I get out of swimming classes sometimes I wear a mask to take the bus back home...

(ID #438645) Posted on 2009/01/07 13:16

reply to XSportSeeker's comment

i used to have a respiratory mask and i used it when im working with spray paints and used it once for a metal music gig, but i dont have it anymore....

(ID #438712) Posted on 2009/01/07 14:08

reply to sayagila's comment

People in Korea do too...It's fairly common to see people from businessmen to "ajumas" to "halabhojis" wearing them on the subway, on the street, pretty much everywhere I guess. Not sure if it's a common as in Japan though...

(ID #438731) Posted on 2009/01/07 14:18

reply to jaejae's comment

Its amazing that Japanese is considerate enough to use this to avoid infect their virus to other ppl or stranger. I dont think in singapore ppl want to use this, if they have bad cough or flu they just go around normally. Lots of singaporean are inconsiderate -_-

(ID #438745) Posted on 2009/01/07 14:29

reply to Lethia's comment

"""wear a respro mask instead""" You'll look very Strange! O___o

(ID #438804) Posted on 2009/01/07 15:07

reply to EyKauS's comment

Nope haven't seen it used here but it is a good idea and if I saw someone wear I would appreciate it instead of thinking it's strange.

(ID #438835) Posted on 2009/01/07 15:33

reply to garturo62's comment

Mask shmak. If I am sick and miserable then EVERYONE around me should be too! XD

(ID #438909) Posted on 2009/01/07 16:21

reply to Yaku's comment

i always thought the masks are for prevention against the cold wind

(ID #438968) Posted on 2009/01/07 17:13

reply to jinyamato's comment

i never knew those masked people are so thoughtful and kind~ keeping the germs to themselves and not spreading "evil" is nice!

(ID #439090) Posted on 2009/01/07 19:59

reply to duffman's comment

There was this time when i was really sick, but due to some reason i have to travel to my school. Worrying that i might spread the virus, i wore a mask. When i broad the train, everyone was looking at me. There were few people, who initially was standing beside me, shifted away. That's like a super awkward experience for me. 

I don't think we have the culture of putting on mask when sick, but i do think that it is necessary. 

(ID #439263) Posted on 2009/01/08 00:46

reply to oCHAPPYo's comment

people in taiwan and hong kong practise this too. 

(ID #439273) Posted on 2009/01/08 00:58

reply to pp's comment

I would like, but people here will look at me with weird eyes @_@

(ID #439280) Posted on 2009/01/08 01:06

reply to Monkee's comment

This is an alien concept in England as you say Danny. If you were seen wearing one of those in public you'd get all sorts of grief.

(ID #439374) Posted on 2009/01/08 02:31

reply to Otaku Blue's comment

Never saw anyone wearing that mask in Canada; wouldn't really find it weird if I saw someone wearing one though ^^.

(ID #439423) Posted on 2009/01/08 03:42

reply to Unyuu's comment

Reminds me of the SARS scare in Hong Kong back in 2003. Those were trying times, and since then people got used to wearing mask if they were generally not feeling well.

(ID #439516) Posted on 2009/01/08 05:46

reply to Quentin aka Q's comment

I already weared one in public, even a gasmask ^^ But this was for a cosplay-event in Germany Kassel, the Connichi (http://www.connichi.de/). It is a good thing to wear such mask, expectly in trains or buses if you are ill. Sometimes I wish some people would wear one ^^ 
However, you need self-assurance to wear them in public. 
But sometimes I sea people wearing such a mask in the discotheque.

(ID #439542) Posted on 2009/01/08 06:17

reply to EMîkro's comment

wow this is madness -_-

(ID #439555) Posted on 2009/01/08 06:31

reply to Cillia Claraford's comment

 I would wear one if I was sick somewhere else besides the states because not enough people here wear one to make them that effective. The only time I have seen anyone use them was in a hospital, at a Japanese grocery, and when working with paint or other chemicals. I hate it when I stay home when I am sick and then I go back to class and people are hacking and coughing all over the place. Makes me a little sick. By the way Danny, I love the respro mask.Looks like something from Mortal Combat >_<

(ID #439591) Posted on 2009/01/08 07:04

reply to Patches's comment

I knew that over 20 years ago.

(ID #439767) Posted on 2009/01/08 10:17

reply to Gradius's comment

Danny, do you have any stats proving that masks reduce cold related work absenteeism? If so I will pass the stats onto one of the biggest employers in London whom I work for.

(ID #447764) Posted on 2009/01/14 20:21

reply to Spinozin's comment

I have never seen anyone else wearing masks like this here in the States. If I wore a surgical mask, they would stare at me, even through the wall---or call the cops... -_-

(ID #448909) Posted on 2009/01/15 16:17

reply to Sanjo-chan's comment

yeup- i would get weird stares- people stare at me enough already and i do not need any more!!! but in college it is hard to maintain your immune system with the late nights and what nots so best be prepared...
-sigh people are very lacking 

(ID #516970) Posted on 2009/03/11 05:51

reply to ed142's comment

It's also simply a good way to hide your face. Hard thing to explain, there are lots of situations where its just to difficult or unacceptable to interact with other people, like on public transport for example. When your shoulder to shoulder on the subway the rudest thing you can do is make eye contact with a stranger or show any expression what so ever. Everyone is in every one else's space but everyone is alone. Yes its polite to cover your face if your sick, its also polite not to embarrass someone and yourself by giving them anything they might have to acknowledge. Wearing a mask makes some people more comfortable in these situations, nobody will acknowledge you even if they consciously notice you anyway. People just think your sick.

(ID #490256) Posted on 2009/02/15 14:00

reply to micca's comment

In the North, where I lived, they wore those things with some Vics Vapo-rub in the mask to help with a stuffy nose or cold.  And also, mainly, to keep dust and dirt out of their mouths and noses, as we had more dirt roads than paved roads up north in Japan even in the 80's.  

So new thread idea!  Hottie hawt Japanese chicks in surgical masks.  You heard it here first folks.

Thanks.

(ID #520509) Posted on 2009/03/13 22:51

reply to Jackzilla!'s comment