Japan reopened its borders on October 11, 2022 to independent foreign tourists who started streaming into Japan from different airports in Japan. Arrivals and entries seemed to be going quite smoothly although many Japanese tourist-related businesses are rushing to hire and train people for the oncoming foreign tourists wave that is expected to pick up next month and again in spring 2023. Many businesses were caught off guard from the sudden change in entry policy by Prime Minister Kishida. The one big issue that the Japan media kept talking about this last week was wearing masks. Japan has a “Mask Culture.” Will foreigners wear masks? What do Japanese think about the Japanese government’s announcement that you do not have to wear a mask outside if you are not talking to anyone or if you are inside and two meters away from anyone. But the actual reality is that almost everyone in Japan is still wearing masks. In this video, Mike talks about the Mask Culture of Japan.
Sources: NHK evening news
YouTube Channel page with #shorts and regular videos: https://www.youtube.com/c/MikeMatsuno
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30 Comments
Outside and not talking to anyone?
No mask
Inside a train, building, under passage?
Mask up for consideration of others
I mean it’s not that hard to understand from my perspective, but peer pressure amongst others must be very high.
I'd bet that Japanese girls still cover their mouth when they laugh, even with the mask
LOL at 15 in 20 not wanting to wear them yet still wearing them anyway. Do these idiots know that if they just STOPPED WEARING THEM that they would be the majority?!
Don't forget that masks don't just save on expensive cosmetics, they enhance cuteness!
the other place people wear masks is hospital workers who are trying to keep germs away from patients who may be susceptible to infections.
Great video and lots of info nobody living in Japan is saying, thanks!!
Really enjoy your super informative travel related content! I’m from Hawaii like you and thought that I’d have no problems with wearing masks since we’re fairly acclimated to it here. I was in Japan last week and didn’t realize that although the temps are cooler, the humidity is way higher despite it being October already. The weak or no air conditioning use in many shops was also a killer. At the airport it was clear to see foreigners like me with sweat soaked shirts whereas the Japanese were completely fine. I felt like I had a sauna on my face nearly the entire week I was there. I guess as long as mask wearing is still ubiquitous there, I’ll only go during the very dry and cold winter season from now.
I don't need the gov't telling me what to do period
they have enough to worry about devalued yen, aging population
increasing bankruptcies, gender wage inequality, outdated medical system. etc
Nobody wants the gov't telling them what clothes to wear, what food they can and
can't eat, what color car they can drive, what body soap they have to use. It's everyone choice
how they want to live their life, you wanna wear a mask go ahead, don't wanna wear a mask
don't wear it, I could give two shits what other people think ya'll ain't paying my bills.
I’ve been in Japan for 3 days now and am having a great time. With my BLUE SOS App screen I breezed through immigration in about 20 minutes at Narita. There are practically no foreign tourists and so crowds are non existent. I bought a 3 day Hakone Freepass for about $37 US (amazing price) and am riding half-filled transport all over the Hakone region, no lines for anything. Truly a once in a lifetime event I think. Yes I AM wearing the mask outside as everyone else is and of course in Japan I do NOT want to stand out, especially as a foreigner. It doesn’t bother me as I have been wearing masks for over 2 years on and off. If I am away from people I will pull it down. A small price to pay for such a rare moment here. Thanks for all the good information Mike!!
It will take some bravery on the part of some Japanese to break through the unnecessary pressure. I hope they can.
I just returned from Japan (September 2022), restaurant’s customers were not wearing masks 😷 but everywhere else they did.
It looks to me that many Japanese people actually want to stop wearing masks, its just a matter of "everyone is thinking the same thing, but who will volunteer to be a scapegoat and be the first one to do it" kinda thing. I am personally planning a trip about a year from now, so by then I hope at least the peer pressure eases up a bit. I don't mind perhaps "meeting half way" and wear it in public transport or in some stores (if they insist), but outside – nah. Ideally ofc I hope they just ditch this alltogether.
Brilliant Mike great video as always, I'm booked for japan & a 9 week stay but is there an issue with a big suitcase on the bullet train? as I'll need to get that sorted thanks🙂👍
OK ! Mike, I wear mask in japan……do as other as……? That their culture ? Or hiding identity ?😁 I notice many Japanese youtubers don't show their face ?! or faces blurred in mosaic shape ?? I go Okinawa soon for Uchinanchuu !!
Anytime I need an update on Japan your channel is my go to! Thanks for making all these great videos recently on the reopening of Japan, its really helpful to have someone that can explain it from both a Japanese and American mindset.
There is no way I'm going to wear a stupid mask. They Don't do nothing.
I'm heading to Japan soon now that it's open. Thanks for the great content.
Mike,
I think you must be half Italian…..you talk with your hands! LOL! But your videos are very informative and I look forward to hearing your insight and info with each posting. Take care….and wear your mask!
Greg
ありがとうございます！
Every time I see some white people walking around Tokyo oblivious to the pandemic, not wearing masks, I want to slap them silly.
not looking forward to the coming hordes,… instead of investing in STEM and exports the LDP made Japan a tourist attraction,…
Japanese Society has always been known to put pressure on others. Specifically coming from the older generations.
October 11, 2020?
I'm just waiting to see when they're going to do away with the PCR test requirement if you don't have the 3rd shot. When do you guys think it will be lifted?
Thanks for the update. I’m planning to travel in Japan. Awesome ✌️✌️✌️
I refuse to get a test for the k u n g flu to travel there until they get rid of that screw that.
It’s not exactly like pre-Covid. They still require “full” vaccination (vaccine + booster) or a PCR test within 72 hours of the trip.
As a Japanese, I can't understand why so many people in Japan still wear masks even outdoors.
That's totally ridiculous.
What is wrong mike? Cant handle the truth?
Japan is too slow in opening the door to tourist. We have to go back to our normal life and mask should not be a mandate. Tomorrow I will be flying in to Tokyo and not planning to wear one. Japan is a free country and everyone have their own right to decide. If Japanese are not ready to accept unmask tourists , then they should continue close just like China