Surgical masks

Fri 2007/01/12 16:12 JST
 126
 in Japan
2829 views
Surgical masks title=

When I first came to Japan, I was shocked to see people wearing surgical masks in public. The first time was when I was on a train. I looked around to see if anybody was looking at the middle aged woman but spotted nothing. The only conclusion I came to was that she was a doctor - but she didn't look like a doctor and even if she was - why on earth was she wearing a surgical mask on the train?!

I soon learned that people wear masks for a few reasons...

  • They are sick and don't want their evil germs to infect others.
  • They have hay fever and don't want the evil pollen to affect them.
  • They are not sick but don't want to catch any evil germs from others.
  • They have a tooth missing and want to cover it up.
  • Their breath smells like a fart and want to diffuse the smell.
  • They have no mouth and don't want people to know that they are from Mars.
This poor chap above is being a good citizen and wants to keep his germs to himself - thus the mask.

You will also see many people wearing masks during April when the hay fever season hits. I have bad hay fever too but wear a respro mask instead.

Is this mask culture specific to Japan? I've never seen people wear masks in public back in England.

Photo taken during my times at Microsoft Japan.

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  • Demacrez
    Demacrez in Houston, Texas, US (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    Link Cosplayer, Video Gamer, Amatuer Programmer, and Artist
    http://demacrez.blogspot.com

    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.

    Fri 2007/01/12 17:58:04 JST (ID #42943)
    reply to Demacrez's comment
  • Demacrez
    Demacrez in Houston, Texas, US (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    Link Cosplayer, Video Gamer, Amatuer Programmer, and Artist
    http://demacrez.blogspot.com

    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.

    Fri 2007/01/12 17:58:04 JST (ID #84947)
    reply to Demacrez's comment
  • Demacrez
    Demacrez in Houston, Texas, US (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    Link Cosplayer, Video Gamer, Amatuer Programmer, and Artist
    http://demacrez.blogspot.com

    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.

    Fri 2007/01/12 17:58:04 JST (ID #110643)
    reply to Demacrez's comment
  • Demacrez
    Demacrez in Houston, Texas, US (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    Link Cosplayer, Video Gamer, Amatuer Programmer, and Artist
    http://demacrez.blogspot.com

    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.

    Fri 2007/01/12 17:58:04 JST (ID #136468)
    reply to Demacrez's comment
  • windbell
    windbell in Singapore/シンガポール, Tokyo/東京 (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    Web Developer/ウェブデベロッパー, Photographer/写真や
    http://www.moeside.net/weblog

    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

    Fri 2007/01/12 18:00:17 JST (ID #42944)
    reply to windbell's comment
    • Shoot201 is
      Shoot201 is in Hong Kong (Registered on 2007/01/05)
      still a Student.
      http://Hazeluff.wordpress.com

      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.

      Tue 2009/01/06 13:27:19 JST (ID #437739)
      reply to Shoot201 is's comment
      • Flawless EXA
        Flawless EXA in Bay Area, California, US (Registered on 2008/12/04)
        High School Student

        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. ^_^;

        Wed 2009/01/07 05:36:57 JST (ID #438544)
        reply to Flawless EXA's comment
        • afatcow
          afatcow (Registered on 2008/08/28)
          http://thetruemelody.wordpress.com/

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

          Wed 2009/01/07 07:12:02 JST (ID #438659)
          reply to afatcow's comment
  • windbell
    windbell in Singapore/シンガポール, Tokyo/東京 (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    Web Developer/ウェブデベロッパー, Photographer/写真や
    http://www.moeside.net/weblog

    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

    Fri 2007/01/12 18:00:17 JST (ID #84948)
    reply to windbell's comment
  • windbell
    windbell in Singapore/シンガポール, Tokyo/東京 (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    Web Developer/ウェブデベロッパー, Photographer/写真や
    http://www.moeside.net/weblog

    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

    Fri 2007/01/12 18:00:17 JST (ID #110644)
    reply to windbell's comment
  • windbell
    windbell in Singapore/シンガポール, Tokyo/東京 (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    Web Developer/ウェブデベロッパー, Photographer/写真や
    http://www.moeside.net/weblog

    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

    Fri 2007/01/12 18:00:17 JST (ID #136469)
    reply to windbell's comment
  • OMNI Strike
    OMNI Strike in Glasgow, UK (Registered on 2006/12/24)
    Aero-mechanical engineering student

    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.

    Fri 2007/01/12 18:04:58 JST (ID #42945)
    reply to OMNI Strike's comment
  • OMNI Strike
    OMNI Strike in Glasgow, UK (Registered on 2006/12/24)
    Aero-mechanical engineering student

    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.

    Fri 2007/01/12 18:04:58 JST (ID #84949)
    reply to OMNI Strike's comment
  • OMNI Strike
    OMNI Strike in Glasgow, UK (Registered on 2006/12/24)
    Aero-mechanical engineering student

    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.

    Fri 2007/01/12 18:04:58 JST (ID #110645)
    reply to OMNI Strike's comment
  • OMNI Strike
    OMNI Strike in Glasgow, UK (Registered on 2006/12/24)
    Aero-mechanical engineering student

    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.

    Fri 2007/01/12 18:04:58 JST (ID #136470)
    reply to OMNI Strike's comment
  • D_Blade
    D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2006/12/31)
    Non-profit org. volunteering work addict

    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?

    Fri 2007/01/12 18:15:08 JST (ID #42947)
    reply to D_Blade's comment
  • D_Blade
    D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2006/12/31)
    Non-profit org. volunteering work addict

    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?

    Fri 2007/01/12 18:15:08 JST (ID #84951)
    reply to D_Blade's comment
  • D_Blade
    D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2006/12/31)
    Non-profit org. volunteering work addict

    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?

    Fri 2007/01/12 18:15:08 JST (ID #110647)
    reply to D_Blade's comment
  • D_Blade
    D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2006/12/31)
    Non-profit org. volunteering work addict

    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?

    Fri 2007/01/12 18:15:08 JST (ID #136472)
    reply to D_Blade's comment
  • Zer0
    Zer0 in Singapore (Registered on 2007/01/11)
    Keyboard Warrior
    http://textfiend.net/zerohero

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

    Fri 2007/01/12 18:19:01 JST (ID #42948)
    reply to Zer0's comment
  • Zer0
    Zer0 in Singapore (Registered on 2007/01/11)
    Keyboard Warrior
    http://textfiend.net/zerohero

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

    Fri 2007/01/12 18:19:01 JST (ID #84952)
    reply to Zer0's comment
  • Zer0
    Zer0 in Singapore (Registered on 2007/01/11)
    Keyboard Warrior
    http://textfiend.net/zerohero

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

    Fri 2007/01/12 18:19:01 JST (ID #110648)
    reply to Zer0's comment
  • Zer0
    Zer0 in Singapore (Registered on 2007/01/11)
    Keyboard Warrior
    http://textfiend.net/zerohero

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

    Fri 2007/01/12 18:19:01 JST (ID #136473)
    reply to Zer0's comment
  • Nagi Springfield
    Nagi Springfield in Alhambra, California (Registered on 2007/01/02)
    Student
    http://redquill.informe.com/index.php

    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.

    Fri 2007/01/12 18:22:17 JST (ID #42949)
    reply to Nagi Springfield's comment
  • Nagi Springfield
    Nagi Springfield in Alhambra, California (Registered on 2007/01/02)
    Student
    http://redquill.informe.com/index.php

    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.

    Fri 2007/01/12 18:22:17 JST (ID #84953)
    reply to Nagi Springfield's comment
  • Nagi Springfield
    Nagi Springfield in Alhambra, California (Registered on 2007/01/02)
    Student
    http://redquill.informe.com/index.php

    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.

    Fri 2007/01/12 18:22:17 JST (ID #110649)
    reply to Nagi Springfield's comment
  • Nagi Springfield
    Nagi Springfield in Alhambra, California (Registered on 2007/01/02)
    Student
    http://redquill.informe.com/index.php

    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.

    Fri 2007/01/12 18:22:17 JST (ID #136474)
    reply to Nagi Springfield's comment
  • AndyH
    AndyH in Birmingham, UK (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    3D artist
    http://andyh.cgsociety.org

    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!

    Fri 2007/01/12 18:22:58 JST (ID #42950)
    reply to AndyH's comment
  • AndyH
    AndyH in Birmingham, UK (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    3D artist
    http://andyh.cgsociety.org

    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!

    Fri 2007/01/12 18:22:58 JST (ID #84954)
    reply to AndyH's comment
  • AndyH
    AndyH in Birmingham, UK (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    3D artist
    http://andyh.cgsociety.org

    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!

    Fri 2007/01/12 18:22:58 JST (ID #110650)
    reply to AndyH's comment
  • AndyH
    AndyH in Birmingham, UK (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    3D artist
    http://andyh.cgsociety.org

    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!

    Fri 2007/01/12 18:22:58 JST (ID #136475)
    reply to AndyH's comment
  • Edward
    Edward in SE Michigan/Osaka (Registered on 2006/12/24)
    Troubleshooter, Universal Exports
    http://funkyblueame.tumblr.com/

    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?

    Fri 2007/01/12 18:24:50 JST (ID #42952)
    reply to Edward's comment
  • Edward
    Edward in SE Michigan/Osaka (Registered on 2006/12/24)
    Troubleshooter, Universal Exports
    http://funkyblueame.tumblr.com/

    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?

    Fri 2007/01/12 18:24:50 JST (ID #84956)
    reply to Edward's comment
  • Edward
    Edward in SE Michigan/Osaka (Registered on 2006/12/24)
    Troubleshooter, Universal Exports
    http://funkyblueame.tumblr.com/

    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?

    Fri 2007/01/12 18:24:50 JST (ID #110652)
    reply to Edward's comment
  • Edward
    Edward in SE Michigan/Osaka (Registered on 2006/12/24)
    Troubleshooter, Universal Exports
    http://funkyblueame.tumblr.com/

    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?

    Fri 2007/01/12 18:24:50 JST (ID #136477)
    reply to Edward's comment
  • Huk
    Huk in SG (Registered on 2006/12/24)

    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)

    Fri 2007/01/12 19:34:24 JST (ID #42956)
    reply to Huk's comment
  • Huk
    Huk in SG (Registered on 2006/12/24)

    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)

    Fri 2007/01/12 19:34:24 JST (ID #84960)
    reply to Huk's comment
  • Huk
    Huk in SG (Registered on 2006/12/24)

    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)

    Fri 2007/01/12 19:34:24 JST (ID #110656)
    reply to Huk's comment
  • Huk
    Huk in SG (Registered on 2006/12/24)

    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)

    Fri 2007/01/12 19:34:24 JST (ID #136481)
    reply to Huk's comment
  • SG
    SG in 英国 (Registered on 2006/12/28)
    Art/Media
    http://sgallen.wordpress.com/

    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.

    Fri 2007/01/12 20:10:05 JST (ID #42958)
    reply to SG's comment
  • SG
    SG in 英国 (Registered on 2006/12/28)
    Art/Media
    http://sgallen.wordpress.com/

    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.

    Fri 2007/01/12 20:10:05 JST (ID #84962)
    reply to SG's comment
  • SG
    SG in 英国 (Registered on 2006/12/28)
    Art/Media
    http://sgallen.wordpress.com/

    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.

    Fri 2007/01/12 20:10:05 JST (ID #110658)
    reply to SG's comment
  • SG
    SG in 英国 (Registered on 2006/12/28)
    Art/Media
    http://sgallen.wordpress.com/

    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.

    Fri 2007/01/12 20:10:05 JST (ID #136483)
    reply to SG's comment
  • BeLe
    BeLe in Davao, Philippines (Registered on 2007/01/03)
    .NET/Web Developer
    http://scrumptious.animeblogger.net

    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

    Fri 2007/01/12 21:48:01 JST (ID #42962)
    reply to BeLe's comment
  • BeLe
    BeLe in Davao, Philippines (Registered on 2007/01/03)
    .NET/Web Developer
    http://scrumptious.animeblogger.net

    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

    Fri 2007/01/12 21:48:01 JST (ID #84966)
    reply to BeLe's comment
  • BeLe
    BeLe in Davao, Philippines (Registered on 2007/01/03)
    .NET/Web Developer
    http://scrumptious.animeblogger.net

    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

    Fri 2007/01/12 21:48:01 JST (ID #110662)
    reply to BeLe's comment
  • BeLe
    BeLe in Davao, Philippines (Registered on 2007/01/03)
    .NET/Web Developer
    http://scrumptious.animeblogger.net

    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

    Fri 2007/01/12 21:48:01 JST (ID #136487)
    reply to BeLe's comment
  • djet0
    djet0 in Not so Sunnyvale, Teh Golden State (Registered on 2007/01/08)
    High School Graduate... Now what?
    http://djet0.deviantart.com/

    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.

    Fri 2007/01/12 22:28:49 JST (ID #42963)
    reply to djet0's comment
  • djet0
    djet0 in Not so Sunnyvale, Teh Golden State (Registered on 2007/01/08)
    High School Graduate... Now what?
    http://djet0.deviantart.com/

    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.

    Fri 2007/01/12 22:28:49 JST (ID #84967)
    reply to djet0's comment
  • djet0
    djet0 in Not so Sunnyvale, Teh Golden State (Registered on 2007/01/08)
    High School Graduate... Now what?
    http://djet0.deviantart.com/

    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.

    Fri 2007/01/12 22:28:49 JST (ID #110663)
    reply to djet0's comment
  • djet0
    djet0 in Not so Sunnyvale, Teh Golden State (Registered on 2007/01/08)
    High School Graduate... Now what?
    http://djet0.deviantart.com/

    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.

    Fri 2007/01/12 22:28:49 JST (ID #136488)
    reply to djet0's comment
  • Hachiko
    Hachiko in Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Registered on 2006/12/26)
    Student
    http://arudesu.animeblogger.net

    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. >_

    Fri 2007/01/12 22:52:23 JST (ID #42964)
    reply to Hachiko's comment
  • Hachiko
    Hachiko in Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Registered on 2006/12/26)
    Student
    http://arudesu.animeblogger.net

    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. >_

    Fri 2007/01/12 22:52:23 JST (ID #84968)
    reply to Hachiko's comment
  • Hachiko
    Hachiko in Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Registered on 2006/12/26)
    Student
    http://arudesu.animeblogger.net

    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. >_

    Fri 2007/01/12 22:52:23 JST (ID #110664)
    reply to Hachiko's comment
  • Hachiko
    Hachiko in Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Registered on 2006/12/26)
    Student
    http://arudesu.animeblogger.net

    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. >_

    Fri 2007/01/12 22:52:23 JST (ID #136489)
    reply to Hachiko's comment
  • Tom
    Tom in サウス フロリダ (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    Professional Student

    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!

    Fri 2007/01/12 22:54:22 JST (ID #42965)
    reply to Tom's comment
  • Tom
    Tom in サウス フロリダ (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    Professional Student

    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!

    Fri 2007/01/12 22:54:22 JST (ID #84969)
    reply to Tom's comment
  • Tom
    Tom in サウス フロリダ (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    Professional Student

    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!

    Fri 2007/01/12 22:54:22 JST (ID #110665)
    reply to Tom's comment
  • Tom
    Tom in サウス フロリダ (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    Professional Student

    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!

    Fri 2007/01/12 22:54:22 JST (ID #136490)
    reply to Tom's comment
  • penpen
    penpen in Providence, RI, US (Registered on 2007/01/12)
    apple store slave

    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

    Sat 2007/01/13 00:15:22 JST (ID #42970)
    reply to penpen's comment
  • penpen
    penpen in Providence, RI, US (Registered on 2007/01/12)
    apple store slave

    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

    Sat 2007/01/13 00:15:22 JST (ID #84974)
    reply to penpen's comment
  • penpen
    penpen in Providence, RI, US (Registered on 2007/01/12)
    apple store slave

    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

    Sat 2007/01/13 00:15:22 JST (ID #110670)
    reply to penpen's comment
  • penpen
    penpen in Providence, RI, US (Registered on 2007/01/12)
    apple store slave

    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

    Sat 2007/01/13 00:15:22 JST (ID #136495)
    reply to penpen's comment
  • Kira Yamato
    Kira Yamato in Lima Peru (Registered on 2007/01/07)
    Student

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

    Sat 2007/01/13 00:23:48 JST (ID #42971)
    reply to Kira Yamato's comment
  • Kira Yamato
    Kira Yamato in Lima Peru (Registered on 2007/01/07)
    Student

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

    Sat 2007/01/13 00:23:48 JST (ID #84975)
    reply to Kira Yamato's comment
  • Kira Yamato
    Kira Yamato in Lima Peru (Registered on 2007/01/07)
    Student

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

    Sat 2007/01/13 00:23:48 JST (ID #110671)
    reply to Kira Yamato's comment
  • Kira Yamato
    Kira Yamato in Lima Peru (Registered on 2007/01/07)
    Student

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

    Sat 2007/01/13 00:23:48 JST (ID #136496)
    reply to Kira Yamato's comment
  • marvin
    marvin (Registered on 2006/12/24)
    http://www.marvinryan.com

    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

    Sat 2007/01/13 00:25:13 JST (ID #42972)
    reply to marvin's comment
  • marvin
    marvin (Registered on 2006/12/24)
    http://www.marvinryan.com

    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

    Sat 2007/01/13 00:25:13 JST (ID #84976)
    reply to marvin's comment
  • marvin
    marvin (Registered on 2006/12/24)
    http://www.marvinryan.com

    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

    Sat 2007/01/13 00:25:13 JST (ID #110672)
    reply to marvin's comment
  • marvin
    marvin (Registered on 2006/12/24)
    http://www.marvinryan.com

    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

    Sat 2007/01/13 00:25:13 JST (ID #136497)
    reply to marvin's comment
  • Nagi Springfield
    Nagi Springfield in Alhambra, California (Registered on 2007/01/02)
    Student
    http://redquill.informe.com/index.php

    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.

    Sat 2007/01/13 00:50:01 JST (ID #42973)
    reply to Nagi Springfield's comment
  • Nagi Springfield
    Nagi Springfield in Alhambra, California (Registered on 2007/01/02)
    Student
    http://redquill.informe.com/index.php

    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.

    Sat 2007/01/13 00:50:01 JST (ID #84977)
    reply to Nagi Springfield's comment
  • Nagi Springfield
    Nagi Springfield in Alhambra, California (Registered on 2007/01/02)
    Student
    http://redquill.informe.com/index.php

    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.

    Sat 2007/01/13 00:50:01 JST (ID #110673)
    reply to Nagi Springfield's comment
  • Nagi Springfield
    Nagi Springfield in Alhambra, California (Registered on 2007/01/02)
    Student
    http://redquill.informe.com/index.php

    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.

    Sat 2007/01/13 00:50:01 JST (ID #136498)
    reply to Nagi Springfield's comment
  • バタくん/Bata-kun
    バタくん/Bata-kun in サンノゼ。後で、マニラと東京? (Registered on 2006/12/29)
    ファン。
    http://bata-kun.animeblogger.net/

    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.

    Sat 2007/01/13 01:42:12 JST (ID #42974)
    reply to バタくん/Bata-kun's comment
  • バタくん/Bata-kun
    バタくん/Bata-kun in サンノゼ。後で、マニラと東京? (Registered on 2006/12/29)
    ファン。
    http://bata-kun.animeblogger.net/

    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.

    Sat 2007/01/13 01:42:12 JST (ID #84978)
    reply to バタくん/Bata-kun's comment
  • バタくん/Bata-kun
    バタくん/Bata-kun in サンノゼ。後で、マニラと東京? (Registered on 2006/12/29)
    ファン。
    http://bata-kun.animeblogger.net/

    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.

    Sat 2007/01/13 01:42:12 JST (ID #110674)
    reply to バタくん/Bata-kun's comment
  • バタくん/Bata-kun
    バタくん/Bata-kun in サンノゼ。後で、マニラと東京? (Registered on 2006/12/29)
    ファン。
    http://bata-kun.animeblogger.net/

    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.

    Sat 2007/01/13 01:42:12 JST (ID #136499)
    reply to バタくん/Bata-kun's comment
  • Arrot
    Arrot in Illinois U.S.A. (Registered on 2006/12/31)
    Undecided Major; Student

    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.

    Sat 2007/01/13 02:37:18 JST (ID #42976)
    reply to Arrot's comment
    • Tivrusky
      Tivrusky in Finland (Registered on 2008/12/08)
      student
      http://fletkumato.deviantart.com/

      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.

      Wed 2009/01/07 01:10:20 JST (ID #438276)
      reply to Tivrusky's comment
  • Arrot
    Arrot in Illinois U.S.A. (Registered on 2006/12/31)
    Undecided Major; Student

    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.

    Sat 2007/01/13 02:37:18 JST (ID #84980)
    reply to Arrot's comment
  • Arrot
    Arrot in Illinois U.S.A. (Registered on 2006/12/31)
    Undecided Major; Student

    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.

    Sat 2007/01/13 02:37:18 JST (ID #110676)
    reply to Arrot's comment
  • Arrot
    Arrot in Illinois U.S.A. (Registered on 2006/12/31)
    Undecided Major; Student

    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.

    Sat 2007/01/13 02:37:18 JST (ID #136501)
    reply to Arrot's comment
  • samejima
    samejima in Philippines (Registered on 2007/01/10)
    CG Artist wannabe / Figure Collector / Deadman
    http://uselessthoughts.net/journal/

    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...

    Sat 2007/01/13 05:31:14 JST (ID #42978)
    reply to samejima's comment
  • samejima
    samejima in Philippines (Registered on 2007/01/10)
    CG Artist wannabe / Figure Collector / Deadman
    http://uselessthoughts.net/journal/

    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...

    Sat 2007/01/13 05:31:14 JST (ID #84982)
    reply to samejima's comment
  • samejima
    samejima in Philippines (Registered on 2007/01/10)
    CG Artist wannabe / Figure Collector / Deadman
    http://uselessthoughts.net/journal/

    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...

    Sat 2007/01/13 05:31:14 JST (ID #110678)
    reply to samejima's comment
  • samejima
    samejima in Philippines (Registered on 2007/01/10)
    CG Artist wannabe / Figure Collector / Deadman
    http://uselessthoughts.net/journal/

    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...

    Sat 2007/01/13 05:31:14 JST (ID #136503)
    reply to samejima's comment
  • Hyun-Bin
    Hyun-Bin in Sydney Australia / Korea (Registered on 2007/01/09)
    Combat Engineer For Australian Defence Force

    Ive seen a few people here wear masks

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

    Sat 2007/01/13 05:36:31 JST (ID #42979)
    reply to Hyun-Bin's comment
  • Hyun-Bin
    Hyun-Bin in Sydney Australia / Korea (Registered on 2007/01/09)
    Combat Engineer For Australian Defence Force

    Ive seen a few people here wear masks

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

    Sat 2007/01/13 05:36:31 JST (ID #84983)
    reply to Hyun-Bin's comment
  • Hyun-Bin
    Hyun-Bin in Sydney Australia / Korea (Registered on 2007/01/09)
    Combat Engineer For Australian Defence Force

    Ive seen a few people here wear masks

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

    Sat 2007/01/13 05:36:31 JST (ID #110679)
    reply to Hyun-Bin's comment
  • Hyun-Bin
    Hyun-Bin in Sydney Australia / Korea (Registered on 2007/01/09)
    Combat Engineer For Australian Defence Force

    Ive seen a few people here wear masks

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

    Sat 2007/01/13 05:36:31 JST (ID #136504)
    reply to Hyun-Bin's comment
  • marvin
    marvin (Registered on 2006/12/24)
    http://www.marvinryan.com

    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. ^^

    Sat 2007/01/13 06:05:36 JST (ID #42980)
    reply to marvin's comment
  • marvin
    marvin (Registered on 2006/12/24)
    http://www.marvinryan.com

    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. ^^

    Sat 2007/01/13 06:05:36 JST (ID #84984)
    reply to marvin's comment
  • marvin
    marvin (Registered on 2006/12/24)
    http://www.marvinryan.com

    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. ^^

    Sat 2007/01/13 06:05:36 JST (ID #110680)
    reply to marvin's comment
  • marvin
    marvin (Registered on 2006/12/24)
    http://www.marvinryan.com

    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. ^^

    Sat 2007/01/13 06:05:36 JST (ID #136505)
    reply to marvin's comment
  • Alafista OTAKU
    Alafista OTAKU in Singapore (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    Policy & Research Officer
    http://www.alafista.com/

    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 ..

    Sat 2007/01/13 06:21:38 JST (ID #42981)
    reply to Alafista OTAKU's comment
  • Alafista OTAKU
    Alafista OTAKU in Singapore (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    Policy & Research Officer
    http://www.alafista.com/

    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 ..

    Sat 2007/01/13 06:21:38 JST (ID #84985)
    reply to Alafista OTAKU's comment
  • Alafista OTAKU
    Alafista OTAKU in Singapore (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    Policy & Research Officer
    http://www.alafista.com/

    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 ..

    Sat 2007/01/13 06:21:38 JST (ID #110681)
    reply to Alafista OTAKU's comment
  • Alafista OTAKU
    Alafista OTAKU in Singapore (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    Policy & Research Officer
    http://www.alafista.com/

    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 ..

    Sat 2007/01/13 06:21:38 JST (ID #136506)
    reply to Alafista OTAKU's comment
  • Linc_31
    Linc_31 (Registered on 2006/12/26)

    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..

    Sat 2007/01/13 07:22:53 JST (ID #42982)
    reply to Linc_31's comment
  • Linc_31
    Linc_31 (Registered on 2006/12/26)

    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..

    Sat 2007/01/13 07:22:53 JST (ID #84986)
    reply to Linc_31's comment
  • Linc_31
    Linc_31 (Registered on 2006/12/26)

    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..

    Sat 2007/01/13 07:22:53 JST (ID #110682)
    reply to Linc_31's comment
  • Linc_31
    Linc_31 (Registered on 2006/12/26)

    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..

    Sat 2007/01/13 07:22:53 JST (ID #136507)
    reply to Linc_31's comment
  • marvin
    marvin (Registered on 2006/12/24)
    http://www.marvinryan.com

    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?

    Sat 2007/01/13 08:56:49 JST (ID #42983)
    reply to marvin's comment
  • marvin
    marvin (Registered on 2006/12/24)
    http://www.marvinryan.com

    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?

    Sat 2007/01/13 08:56:49 JST (ID #84987)
    reply to marvin's comment
  • marvin
    marvin (Registered on 2006/12/24)
    http://www.marvinryan.com

    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?

    Sat 2007/01/13 08:56:49 JST (ID #110683)
    reply to marvin's comment
  • marvin
    marvin (Registered on 2006/12/24)
    http://www.marvinryan.com

    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?

    Sat 2007/01/13 08:56:49 JST (ID #136508)
    reply to marvin's comment
  • thor777
    thor777 in Los Angeles, USA (Registered on 2007/01/10)
    IT technician

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

    Sat 2007/01/13 11:18:01 JST (ID #42985)
    reply to thor777's comment
  • thor777
    thor777 in Los Angeles, USA (Registered on 2007/01/10)
    IT technician

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

    Sat 2007/01/13 11:18:01 JST (ID #84989)
    reply to thor777's comment
  • thor777
    thor777 in Los Angeles, USA (Registered on 2007/01/10)
    IT technician

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

    Sat 2007/01/13 11:18:01 JST (ID #110685)
    reply to thor777's comment
  • thor777
    thor777 in Los Angeles, USA (Registered on 2007/01/10)
    IT technician

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

    Sat 2007/01/13 11:18:01 JST (ID #136510)
    reply to thor777's comment
  • ninjascience
    ninjascience in Oregon Newtype Labs (Registered on 2007/01/09)
    NinjaPriestJazzDoctorPilotRobotZombieLuv
    http://www.mechascientific.com

    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.

    Sat 2007/01/13 13:46:08 JST (ID #42986)
    reply to ninjascience's comment
  • ninjascience
    ninjascience in Oregon Newtype Labs (Registered on 2007/01/09)
    NinjaPriestJazzDoctorPilotRobotZombieLuv
    http://www.mechascientific.com

    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.

    Sat 2007/01/13 13:46:08 JST (ID #84990)
    reply to ninjascience's comment
  • ninjascience
    ninjascience in Oregon Newtype Labs (Registered on 2007/01/09)
    NinjaPriestJazzDoctorPilotRobotZombieLuv
    http://www.mechascientific.com

    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.

    Sat 2007/01/13 13:46:08 JST (ID #110686)
    reply to ninjascience's comment
  • ninjascience
    ninjascience in Oregon Newtype Labs (Registered on 2007/01/09)
    NinjaPriestJazzDoctorPilotRobotZombieLuv
    http://www.mechascientific.com

    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.

    Sat 2007/01/13 13:46:08 JST (ID #136511)
    reply to ninjascience's comment
  • Negative
    Negative in Bronx, NY (Registered on 2007/01/07)
    Underemployed Office Minion
    http://zerofigures.wordpress.com/

    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.

    Sat 2007/01/13 14:16:21 JST (ID #42987)
    reply to Negative's comment
  • Negative
    Negative in Bronx, NY (Registered on 2007/01/07)
    Underemployed Office Minion
    http://zerofigures.wordpress.com/

    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.

    Sat 2007/01/13 14:16:21 JST (ID #84991)
    reply to Negative's comment
  • Negative
    Negative in Bronx, NY (Registered on 2007/01/07)
    Underemployed Office Minion
    http://zerofigures.wordpress.com/

    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.

    Sat 2007/01/13 14:16:21 JST (ID #110687)
    reply to Negative's comment
  • Negative
    Negative in Bronx, NY (Registered on 2007/01/07)
    Underemployed Office Minion
    http://zerofigures.wordpress.com/

    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.

    Sat 2007/01/13 14:16:21 JST (ID #136512)
    reply to Negative's comment
  • krapou
    krapou in tervuren, belgium (Registered on 2006/12/26)
    daydreaming and planning to take over the world

    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 ^!^

    Sat 2007/01/13 15:13:12 JST (ID #42988)
    reply to krapou's comment
  • krapou
    krapou in tervuren, belgium (Registered on 2006/12/26)
    daydreaming and planning to take over the world

    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 ^!^

    Sat 2007/01/13 15:13:12 JST (ID #84992)
    reply to krapou's comment
  • krapou
    krapou in tervuren, belgium (Registered on 2006/12/26)
    daydreaming and planning to take over the world

    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 ^!^

    Sat 2007/01/13 15:13:12 JST (ID #110688)
    reply to krapou's comment
  • krapou
    krapou in tervuren, belgium (Registered on 2006/12/26)
    daydreaming and planning to take over the world

    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 ^!^

    Sat 2007/01/13 15:13:12 JST (ID #136513)
    reply to krapou's comment
  • Boris
    Boris in USA (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    Visual Communications and Web 2.0
    http://www.imagineboris.com

    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.

    Sat 2007/01/13 18:08:54 JST (ID #42992)
    reply to Boris's comment
  • Boris
    Boris in USA (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    Visual Communications and Web 2.0
    http://www.imagineboris.com

    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.

    Sat 2007/01/13 18:08:54 JST (ID #84996)
    reply to Boris's comment
  • Boris
    Boris in USA (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    Visual Communications and Web 2.0
    http://www.imagineboris.com

    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.

    Sat 2007/01/13 18:08:54 JST (ID #110692)
    reply to Boris's comment
  • Boris
    Boris in USA (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    Visual Communications and Web 2.0
    http://www.imagineboris.com

    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.

    Sat 2007/01/13 18:08:54 JST (ID #136517)
    reply to Boris's comment
  • alphas
    alphas (Registered on 2007/01/06)

    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.

    Sat 2007/01/13 19:21:16 JST (ID #42993)
    reply to alphas's comment
  • alphas
    alphas (Registered on 2007/01/06)

    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.

    Sat 2007/01/13 19:21:16 JST (ID #84997)
    reply to alphas's comment
  • alphas
    alphas (Registered on 2007/01/06)

    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.

    Sat 2007/01/13 19:21:16 JST (ID #110693)
    reply to alphas's comment
  • alphas
    alphas (Registered on 2007/01/06)

    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.

    Sat 2007/01/13 19:21:16 JST (ID #136518)
    reply to alphas's comment
  • No Name
    No Name in No Location (Registered on 2007/01/11)
    No Occupation
    http://nowebsite.com

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

    Sat 2007/01/13 22:08:05 JST (ID #42997)
    reply to No Name's comment
  • No Name
    No Name in No Location (Registered on 2007/01/11)
    No Occupation
    http://nowebsite.com

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

    Sat 2007/01/13 22:08:05 JST (ID #85001)
    reply to No Name's comment
  • No Name
    No Name in No Location (Registered on 2007/01/11)
    No Occupation
    http://nowebsite.com

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

    Sat 2007/01/13 22:08:05 JST (ID #110697)
    reply to No Name's comment
  • No Name
    No Name in No Location (Registered on 2007/01/11)
    No Occupation
    http://nowebsite.com

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

    Sat 2007/01/13 22:08:05 JST (ID #136522)
    reply to No Name's comment
  • Shoot201 is
    Shoot201 is in Hong Kong (Registered on 2007/01/05)
    still a Student.
    http://Hazeluff.wordpress.com

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

    Sun 2007/01/14 22:49:36 JST (ID #43002)
    reply to Shoot201 is's comment
  • Shoot201 is
    Shoot201 is in Hong Kong (Registered on 2007/01/05)
    still a Student.
    http://Hazeluff.wordpress.com

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

    Sun 2007/01/14 22:49:36 JST (ID #85006)
    reply to Shoot201 is's comment
  • Shoot201 is
    Shoot201 is in Hong Kong (Registered on 2007/01/05)
    still a Student.
    http://Hazeluff.wordpress.com

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

    Sun 2007/01/14 22:49:36 JST (ID #110702)
    reply to Shoot201 is's comment
  • Shoot201 is
    Shoot201 is in Hong Kong (Registered on 2007/01/05)
    still a Student.
    http://Hazeluff.wordpress.com

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

    Sun 2007/01/14 22:49:36 JST (ID #136527)
    reply to Shoot201 is's comment
  • No Name
    No Name in No Location (Registered on 2007/01/11)
    No Occupation
    http://nowebsite.com

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

    Mon 2007/01/15 10:47:14 JST (ID #43020)
    reply to No Name's comment
  • No Name
    No Name in No Location (Registered on 2007/01/11)
    No Occupation
    http://nowebsite.com

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

    Mon 2007/01/15 10:47:14 JST (ID #85024)
    reply to No Name's comment
  • No Name
    No Name in No Location (Registered on 2007/01/11)
    No Occupation
    http://nowebsite.com

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

    Mon 2007/01/15 10:47:14 JST (ID #110720)
    reply to No Name's comment
  • No Name
    No Name in No Location (Registered on 2007/01/11)
    No Occupation
    http://nowebsite.com

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

    Mon 2007/01/15 10:47:14 JST (ID #136545)
    reply to No Name's comment
  • Danny Choo
    Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11)
    CEO MIrai Inc
    http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/

    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.

    Mon 2007/01/15 18:07:48 JST (ID #43030)
    reply to Danny Choo's comment
  • Danny Choo
    Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11)
    CEO MIrai Inc
    http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/

    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.

    Mon 2007/01/15 18:07:48 JST (ID #85034)
    reply to Danny Choo's comment
  • Danny Choo
    Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11)
    CEO MIrai Inc
    http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/

    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.

    Mon 2007/01/15 18:07:48 JST (ID #110730)
    reply to Danny Choo's comment
  • Danny Choo
    Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11)
    CEO MIrai Inc
    http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/

    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.

    Mon 2007/01/15 18:07:48 JST (ID #136555)
    reply to Danny Choo's comment
  • Marcus Tyr
    Marcus Tyr in LA, California (Registered on 2007/01/15)
    Composer-DJ-Sound Design.作曲家
    http://www.MarcusTyr.net

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

    Mon 2007/01/15 20:15:15 JST (ID #43033)
    reply to Marcus Tyr's comment
  • Marcus Tyr
    Marcus Tyr in LA, California (Registered on 2007/01/15)
    Composer-DJ-Sound Design.作曲家
    http://www.MarcusTyr.net

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

    Mon 2007/01/15 20:15:15 JST (ID #85037)
    reply to Marcus Tyr's comment
  • Marcus Tyr
    Marcus Tyr in LA, California (Registered on 2007/01/15)
    Composer-DJ-Sound Design.作曲家
    http://www.MarcusTyr.net

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

    Mon 2007/01/15 20:15:15 JST (ID #110733)
    reply to Marcus Tyr's comment
  • Marcus Tyr
    Marcus Tyr in LA, California (Registered on 2007/01/15)
    Composer-DJ-Sound Design.作曲家
    http://www.MarcusTyr.net

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

    Mon 2007/01/15 20:15:15 JST (ID #136558)
    reply to Marcus Tyr's comment
  • dw2k6
    dw2k6 in United Kingdom (Registered on 2007/01/29)
    Unemployed
    http://councilestategaming.blogspot.com/

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

    Mon 2007/01/29 23:03:29 JST (ID #43580)
    reply to dw2k6's comment
  • dw2k6
    dw2k6 in United Kingdom (Registered on 2007/01/29)
    Unemployed
    http://councilestategaming.blogspot.com/

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

    Mon 2007/01/29 23:03:29 JST (ID #85584)
    reply to dw2k6's comment
  • dw2k6
    dw2k6 in United Kingdom (Registered on 2007/01/29)
    Unemployed
    http://councilestategaming.blogspot.com/

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

    Mon 2007/01/29 23:03:29 JST (ID #111280)
    reply to dw2k6's comment
  • dw2k6
    dw2k6 in United Kingdom (Registered on 2007/01/29)
    Unemployed
    http://councilestategaming.blogspot.com/

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

    Mon 2007/01/29 23:03:29 JST (ID #137105)
    reply to dw2k6's comment
  • Anarko_bizounours
    Anarko_bizounours in Ahgama (Registered on 2007/07/12)
    Pilote of AEUG

    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 ^^)

    Fri 2007/07/13 07:23:23 JST (ID #51552)
    reply to Anarko_bizounours's comment
  • Anarko_bizounours
    Anarko_bizounours in Ahgama (Registered on 2007/07/12)
    Pilote of AEUG

    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 ^^)

    Fri 2007/07/13 07:23:23 JST (ID #93556)
    reply to Anarko_bizounours's comment
  • Anarko_bizounours
    Anarko_bizounours in Ahgama (Registered on 2007/07/12)
    Pilote of AEUG

    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 ^^)

    Fri 2007/07/13 07:23:23 JST (ID #119252)
    reply to Anarko_bizounours's comment
  • Anarko_bizounours
    Anarko_bizounours in Ahgama (Registered on 2007/07/12)
    Pilote of AEUG

    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 ^^)

    Fri 2007/07/13 07:23:23 JST (ID #145077)
    reply to Anarko_bizounours's comment
  • gordon
    gordon in 新加坡 Singapore (Registered on 2007/06/11)
    銀河帝国五〇一軍团 TK/TD 8316 M.E.P.D. Police Sergeant
    http://gordonator.com/

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

    Thu 2008/01/24 06:10:39 JST (ID #70534)
    reply to gordon's comment
  • tsukishi69
    tsukishi69 in Lima,Peru (Registered on 2007/04/17)
    Student

    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

    Thu 2008/01/24 13:46:34 JST (ID #70582)
    reply to tsukishi69's comment
  • janken
    janken in Germany (Registered on 2008/01/23)
    Student
    http://www.janken.de

    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.

    Thu 2008/01/24 14:13:33 JST (ID #70585)
    reply to janken's comment
  • enguyen
    enguyen in USA (Registered on 2008/02/18)
    Engineer by day, Otaku by night

    Funny, even in the office!

    Thu 2008/05/08 22:51:07 JST (ID #183875)
    reply to enguyen's comment
  • euphoria
    euphoria in Edmonton, Canada (Registered on 2008/04/28)
    Student/Part-timer
    http://random-euphoria.blogspot.com/

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

    Mon 2008/05/26 03:12:35 JST (ID #197068)
    reply to euphoria's comment
  • Calan
    Calan in Canada (Registered on 2008/05/24)
    Student
    http://www.tecurious.com

    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.

    Mon 2008/05/26 03:32:17 JST (ID #197074)
    reply to Calan's comment
  • tammie86
    tammie86 in San Jose, CA (Registered on 2008/01/08)
    Secretary
    http://figured.wordpress.com/

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

    Mon 2008/05/26 04:15:33 JST (ID #197095)
    reply to tammie86's comment
  • lin-da-kenobi
    lin-da-kenobi in Lima, Peru ^^ (Registered on 2007/08/15)
    medicine student & otaku

    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?

    Mon 2008/05/26 04:59:04 JST (ID #197108)
    reply to lin-da-kenobi's comment
  • -Chaheese-
    -Chaheese- in Igirisu (Registered on 2008/02/01)
    http://z11.invisionfree.com/Otaku_Kakumei/

    I usually wear one when I have a cold.

    I hate for people to get sick because of me.

    Mon 2008/05/26 05:20:35 JST (ID #197121)
    reply to -Chaheese-'s comment
  • The Lyrical Loli
    The Lyrical Loli in Los Angeles, California, U.S. (Registered on 2007/10/14)
    Kokoro Kotonoha's personal trainer
    http://loli1983.wordpress.com

    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.

    Mon 2008/05/26 05:39:19 JST (ID #197133)
    reply to The Lyrical Loli's comment
  • macrossfan
    macrossfan in Minnesota, USA (Registered on 2008/01/03)
    Sports guy

    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.

    Mon 2008/05/26 07:00:32 JST (ID #197197)
    reply to macrossfan's comment
  • ceasol
    ceasol in Edmonton, Canada (Registered on 2008/01/08)
    Otaku
    http://imperiomoe.wordpress.com

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

    Mon 2008/05/26 07:23:44 JST (ID #197209)
    reply to ceasol's comment
  • graeble.
    graeble. in South Texas (Registered on 2008/05/23)
    lecherous wretch
    http://graeble.deviantart.com/

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

    Mon 2008/05/26 08:48:12 JST (ID #197251)
    reply to graeble.'s comment
  • lostandfound
    lostandfound in Singapore (Registered on 2007/10/21)
    Hikikomori in the making
    http://supermariabros.deviantart.com/

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

    Mon 2008/05/26 10:07:15 JST (ID #197289)
    reply to lostandfound's comment
  • xanthe
    xanthe in Philippines (Registered on 2008/05/03)
    aspiring to become a doujin and graphics artist cum lawyer
    http://aki7.bottled-wish.info

    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

    Mon 2008/05/26 17:40:26 JST (ID #197474)
    reply to xanthe's comment
  • Kinny Riddle
    Kinny Riddle (Registered on 2008/03/19)

    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.

    Mon 2008/05/26 18:04:18 JST (ID #197489)
    reply to Kinny Riddle's comment
  • NeoTrunks
    NeoTrunks in U.S.A. (Registered on 2008/03/08)
    Doc

    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 :)

    Tue 2008/05/27 00:05:40 JST (ID #197693)
    reply to NeoTrunks's comment
  • Certifiably Insane
    Certifiably Insane in Singapore (Registered on 2008/04/13)
    Pursuing that ever-elusive diploma.
    http://finality.dasaku.net

    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

    Tue 2008/05/27 00:11:31 JST (ID #197698)
    reply to Certifiably Insane's comment
  • ETERNAL
    ETERNAL in Toronto, Canada (Registered on 2008/03/21)
    Amateur novelist
    http://memories-of-eternity.com

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

    Tue 2008/05/27 00:48:47 JST (ID #197716)
    reply to ETERNAL's comment
  • Emperor's Hand
    Emperor's Hand in Ohio, USA (Registered on 2007/12/24)

    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......

    Sun 2009/01/04 22:52:19 JST (ID #435674)
    reply to Emperor's Hand's comment
  • FlashFire
    FlashFire in USA (Registered on 2008/11/14)
    Student
    http://burningland.deviantart.com/

    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.

    Tue 2009/01/06 11:44:24 JST (ID #437671)
    reply to FlashFire's comment
  • JamesJoyceYes
    JamesJoyceYes in USA (Registered on 2007/12/17)
    Student

    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).

    Tue 2009/01/06 11:51:57 JST (ID #437677)
    reply to JamesJoyceYes's comment
  • Toxyn
    Toxyn in BC, Canada (Registered on 2008/10/16)
    Hikikomori
    http://toxxyn.blogspot.com/

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

    Tue 2009/01/06 12:04:46 JST (ID #437680)
    reply to Toxyn's comment
  • aquilla
    aquilla in United Kingdom (Registered on 2008/10/22)
    Office Administrator
    http://aquilla429.co.uk

    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.

    Tue 2009/01/06 12:38:26 JST (ID #437701)
    reply to aquilla's comment
  • Ninja Poe Bear
    Ninja Poe Bear in California (Registered on 2008/07/10)
    Studio Bleach founder/owner
    http://myspace.com/studiobleach

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

    Tue 2009/01/06 12:53:59 JST (ID #437715)
    reply to Ninja Poe Bear's comment
  • vuna
    vuna (Registered on 2008/10/03)
    student

    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

    Tue 2009/01/06 13:14:12 JST (ID #437729)
    reply to vuna's comment
  • Abi-kun
    Abi-kun in Poland (Registered on 2008/01/06)
    a guy who cares (sort of...)

    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.

    Tue 2009/01/06 13:28:27 JST (ID #437740)
    reply to Abi-kun's comment
  • Harts
    Harts in Estonia (Registered on 2008/06/02)
    Student

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

    Tue 2009/01/06 14:28:15 JST (ID #437780)
    reply to Harts's comment
  • うちは サスケ
    うちは サスケ in Bulgaria (Registered on 2008/10/22)
    Student
    http://musou-enrai.deviantart.com/

    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.

    Tue 2009/01/06 14:45:02 JST (ID #437789)
    reply to うちは サスケ's comment
  • miku2
    miku2 in vocaloid world (Registered on 2008/12/30)

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

    Tue 2009/01/06 15:07:50 JST (ID #437824)
    reply to miku2's comment
  • lerry[maru]
    lerry[maru] in Kuala Lumpur, MY (Registered on 2008/09/14)
    Nekophilia

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

    Tue 2009/01/06 15:52:52 JST (ID #437863)
    reply to lerry[maru]'s comment
  • bis2501
    bis2501 in England (Registered on 2007/08/25)
    Engineer / Student
    http://www.takotech.net/mshp/

    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 ^_^

    Tue 2009/01/06 17:23:55 JST (ID #437946)
    reply to bis2501's comment
  • Teclo
    Teclo in England (Registered on 2008/10/27)
    I FEEL ASLEEP
    http://www.fakku.net/

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

    Tue 2009/01/06 18:59:14 JST (ID #438011)
    reply to Teclo's comment
  • Rusting
    Rusting in South Texas, USA (Registered on 2009/01/06)
    Injured

    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.

    Tue 2009/01/06 21:22:44 JST (ID #438111)
    reply to Rusting's comment
  • RogueTrooper
    RogueTrooper in Berkshire UK (Registered on 2009/01/06)
    Dental Technician, i make teeth!
    http://antsizedman.blogspot.com/

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

    Tue 2009/01/06 21:54:48 JST (ID #438134)
    reply to RogueTrooper's comment
  • Dragonic
    Dragonic in West Yorkshire, United Kingdom (Registered on 2008/07/14)
    http://dragonic.wordpress.com/

    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...

    Tue 2009/01/06 22:48:35 JST (ID #438173)
    reply to Dragonic's comment
  • MasterSkirtChaser
    MasterSkirtChaser in Canada (Registered on 2008/04/29)
    Student

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

    Tue 2009/01/06 23:36:08 JST (ID #438203)
    reply to MasterSkirtChaser's comment
  • Ed Gomez
    Ed Gomez in Perris, CA (Registered on 2007/03/01)
    Art Production Manager, Computer/Graphic Design Tutor
    http://www.studioartmix.com/cosplay

    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.

    Wed 2009/01/07 00:05:28 JST (ID #438215)
    reply to Ed Gomez's comment
  • Hidden Oasis
    Hidden Oasis in California, United Sates (Registered on 2008/10/28)
    College Freshmen

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

    Wed 2009/01/07 00:14:53 JST (ID #438224)
    reply to Hidden Oasis's comment
  • Kyone
    Kyone in Boston, MA (Registered on 2009/01/02)
    College student, Mech programmer and striving photographer.
    http://moeforme.blogspot.com

    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.

    Wed 2009/01/07 00:32:33 JST (ID #438245)
    reply to Kyone's comment
  • redmango
    redmango in Florida (Registered on 2008/08/08)
    houkouonchi
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/red_mango/

    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?

    Wed 2009/01/07 00:51:08 JST (ID #438258)
    reply to redmango's comment
  • silent1134
    silent1134 in Los Angeles, California (Registered on 2007/08/22)
    ???Confused???

    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...

    Wed 2009/01/07 04:17:32 JST (ID #438432)
    reply to silent1134's comment
  • phossil
    phossil in Guatemala City (Registered on 2008/07/22)
    http://twitter.com/phossil
    http://www.animoe.net

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

    Wed 2009/01/07 06:10:35 JST (ID #438579)
    reply to phossil's comment
  • XSportSeeker
    XSportSeeker in Brazil (Registered on 2007/08/22)
    Dropping computers, starting all over again at Journalism
    http://xspblog.com

    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...

    Wed 2009/01/07 06:52:43 JST (ID #438645)
    reply to XSportSeeker's comment
  • sayagila
    sayagila in melbourne, jakarta, denpasar (Registered on 2008/08/18)
    just another something else
    http://the7sinner.wordpress.com/

    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....

    Wed 2009/01/07 07:44:05 JST (ID #438712)
    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...

    Wed 2009/01/07 07:54:40 JST (ID #438731)
    reply to jaejae's comment
  • Lethia
    Lethia in シンガポオル (Registered on 2008/10/17)
    Kawaii Pink Stuffs FanGirl, Cat Lover, Otaku, MP3 Hunter, Matcha & Afternoon Milk Tea Addict.
    http://lethiachan.blogspot.com

    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 -_-

    Wed 2009/01/07 08:05:31 JST (ID #438745)
    reply to Lethia's comment
  • EyKauS
    EyKauS in Now in MX Before Japan and Hong Kong! (Registered on 2008/06/11)
    Marketing & Research TI...
    http://www.eykaus.com

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

    Wed 2009/01/07 08:43:04 JST (ID #438804)
    reply to EyKauS's comment
  • garturo62
    garturo62 in Arizona (Registered on 2008/12/23)
    none

    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.

    Wed 2009/01/07 09:09:23 JST (ID #438835)
    reply to garturo62's comment
  • Yaku
    Yaku in Chinatown, Los Angeles, USA (Registered on 2008/08/27)
    Student, part-time slave
    http://yakuri.wordpress.com/

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

    Wed 2009/01/07 09:57:53 JST (ID #438909)
    reply to Yaku's comment
  • jinyamato
    jinyamato in singapore (Registered on 2008/11/02)
    student
    http://wifi.animeblogger.net

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

    Wed 2009/01/07 10:49:27 JST (ID #438968)
    reply to jinyamato's comment
  • duffman
    duffman in the Urban Jungle that is Manila(PH)~ (Registered on 2007/10/30)
    Daigakusei [Consular and Diplomatic Affairs]
    http://dixinfernal.wordpress.com

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

    Wed 2009/01/07 13:35:35 JST (ID #439090)
    reply to duffman's comment
  • oCHAPPYo
    oCHAPPYo in Singapore (Registered on 2008/08/26)
    Student
    http://chappypyon.wordpress.com/

    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.

    Wed 2009/01/07 18:22:22 JST (ID #439263)
    reply to oCHAPPYo's comment
  • pp
    pp in Singapore (Registered on 2007/07/10)
    宅男军人/otaku soldier
    http://otakurean.com

    people in taiwan and hong kong practise this too.

    Wed 2009/01/07 18:34:08 JST (ID #439273)
    reply to pp's comment
  • Monkee
    Monkee in Canada (Registered on 2007/02/08)
    Otaku / Student in Networking
    http://hayasaki-kun.blogspot.com/

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

    Wed 2009/01/07 18:42:24 JST (ID #439280)
    reply to Monkee's comment
  • Otaku Blue
    Otaku Blue in London (Registered on 2007/05/12)
    Student
    http://www.otakublue.wordpress.com

    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.

    Wed 2009/01/07 20:07:50 JST (ID #439374)
    reply to Otaku Blue's comment
  • Unyuu
    Unyuu in Canada, Montreal (Registered on 2008/09/29)
    Student
    http://myanimelist.net/profile/Unyuu

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

    Wed 2009/01/07 21:18:06 JST (ID #439423)
    reply to Unyuu's comment
  • Quentin aka Q
    Quentin aka Q in Varies (Hong Kong resident) (Registered on 2008/01/06)
    http://quentinlau.blogspot.com

    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.

    Wed 2009/01/07 23:22:43 JST (ID #439516)
    reply to Quentin aka Q's comment
  • EMîkro
    EMîkro in Germany (Registered on 2008/09/16)
    Student | J-Drama beau
    http://www.emikro.de.vu

    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.

    Wed 2009/01/07 23:53:19 JST (ID #439542)
    reply to EMîkro's comment
  • Cillia Claraford
    Cillia Claraford in CA (Registered on 2008/11/14)
    Just Some Anime Fan
    http://www.cilliaclaraford.com

    wow this is madness -_-

    Thu 2009/01/08 00:07:38 JST (ID #439555)
    reply to Cillia Claraford's comment
  • Patches
    Patches in Ohio, USA (Registered on 2008/10/20)
    Upcoming College Student and Otaku
    http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/Patches418?ref=profile

    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 >_<

    Thu 2009/01/08 00:40:29 JST (ID #439591)
    reply to Patches's comment
  • Gradius
    Gradius in Brasil (Registered on 2008/07/07)
    IT Expert / System, Network, Security Administrator
    http://www.digitalanime.com.br

    I knew that over 20 years ago.

    Thu 2009/01/08 03:53:37 JST (ID #439767)
    reply to Gradius's comment
  • Spinozin
    Spinozin in London (Registered on 2008/10/05)
    Free Thinker

    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.

    Wed 2009/01/14 13:57:22 JST (ID #447764)
    reply to Spinozin's comment
  • Sanjo-chan
    Sanjo-chan in Chattanooga, TN (USA) (Registered on 2008/10/24)
    Proud Otaku and Part-time NEET
    http://centakume.info

    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... -_-

    Thu 2009/01/15 09:53:59 JST (ID #448909)
    reply to Sanjo-chan's comment
    • ed142
      ed142 in CA, the valley (Registered on 2009/02/23)
      student- university servant

      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

      Tue 2009/03/10 23:27:00 JST (ID #516970)
      reply to ed142's comment
  • micca
    micca in New Zealand (Registered on 2009/02/15)
    engineer

    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.

    Sun 2009/02/15 07:36:15 JST (ID #490256)
    reply to micca's comment
  • Jackzilla!
    Jackzilla! in USA (Registered on 2009/02/21)
    Photographer Wanna-be

    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.

    Fri 2009/03/13 16:27:22 JST (ID #520509)
    reply to Jackzilla!'s comment
  • (Registered on 2009/11/24)
    Tue 2009/11/24 08:34:48 JST (ID #)
    reply to 's comment
    • (Registered on 2009/11/24)
      Tue 2009/11/24 08:34:48 JST (ID #)
      reply to 's comment
      • tarsier
        tarsier in germany (Registered on 2008/02/23)

        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. ^^

        Mon 2008/05/26 12:07:39 JST (ID #197345)
        reply to tarsier's comment
  • (Registered on 2009/11/24)
    Tue 2009/11/24 08:34:48 JST (ID #)
    reply to 's comment
    • (Registered on 2009/11/24)
      Tue 2009/11/24 08:34:48 JST (ID #)
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      • Halconnen
        Halconnen in Karlsland (Registered on 2008/11/18)
        Student
        http://www.certaincake.com

        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.

        Tue 2009/01/06 22:07:22 JST (ID #438144)
        reply to Halconnen's comment

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