News Mask use in Japan around 90% despite eased guidelines

[thomas]

According to an artificial intelligence system developed by broadcaster NTV surveying people at Tokyo Station, about 86-90% of people still wear masks in public a month after Japan's guidelines were eased. The results illustrate a widespread preference to wear masks in public even when officials aren't pushing the issue, differing from the norm in Western countries. Peer pressure is another reson.

The AiD AI system, which analyzed video footage of people walking in front of the station on Monday, showed that 85.6% of the people passing by were wearing masks, slightly down from a figure of 89.7% collected on March 13, when the mask guidelines were revised. The new guidelines leave the decision on wearing a mask to the individual's personal choice. COVID-19 cases have declined recently, with 9,940 daily nationwide cases reported on Tuesday, compared with nearly 250,000 in early January. However, Tokyo cases have been gradually increasing, with the capital reporting 1,490 cases on Tuesday, up from 1,357 a week before.

Mask use in Japan at 86% despite eased guidelines, AI analysis finds

Revised guidelines that went into effect in March leave it up to individuals to decide on whether to wear a mask.

www.japantimes.co.jp

Of roughly 750 working adults, 39.6% said they wear a mask "unconditionally," according to a poll conducted on 5-7 April by Laibo, a Tokyo-based career development agency. Another 53.4% said they wear masks depending on the situation. This adds up to 93% of respondents who still mask up. Japan relaxed its guidance for wearing masks on March 13, letting individuals decide in most circumstances. For those sticking to masks, a 42.6% plurality said they do so out of habit. Peer pressure also appears to be at work: 37.9% of respondents said they wear masks because many others do. Another critical factor involves companies that independently adopt mask-wearing rules for employees. In Laibo's survey, 35% said they wear masks because their workplaces recommended it.

Paywall alert:

Masked Japan: 90% cover face 1 month after rules lifted

Many feel pressure from peers and workplaces to continue masking

asia.nikkei.com