Protecting in style and comfort Japanese masks

The Manila Times

Protecting in style and comfort Japanese masks  In response to the spread of Covid-19, Health authorities around the world are urging the public to wear masks. Japan was fortunate in that mask wearing was a very common custom here, even before the spread of this new virus. Especially from winter through spring, one in three Japanese were already accustomed to wearing masks every day. Now that the majority of people have begun using masks, even more new and sophisticated designs are being developed. These especially aim to improve fit, comfort and coolness. Masks have become a fashion item, and many people are expressing their creativity by making their own.  VIDEO BY MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF JAPAN  Subscribe to The Manila Times Channel - https://tmt.ph/YTSubscribe  Visit our website at https://www.manilatimes.net  Follow us: Facebook - https://tmt.ph/facebook Instagram - https://tmt.ph/instagram Twitter - https://tmt.ph/twitter DailyMotion - https://tmt.ph/dailymotion  Subscribe to our Digital Edition - https://tmt.ph/digital  Check out our Podcasts: Spotify - https://tmt.ph/spotify Apple Podcasts - https://tmt.ph/applepodcasts Amazon Music - https://tmt.ph/amazonmusic Deezer: https://tmt.ph/deezer Stitcher: https://tmt.ph/stitcher Tune In: https://tmt.ph/tunein  #TheManilaTimes #DailyNews #Japan #Style #Masks #Covid19 #Comfort #Coolness #Creativity

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00:11 As COVID-19 continues to spread,

00:14 health authorities worldwide are asking people to wear masks.

00:18 During the 1918 influenza pandemic,

00:23 the Japanese learned that masks protect against infection.

00:29 Ever since, it's been the custom here to wear masks to maintain hygiene.

00:34 As early as primary schools, Japanese children learn to wear masks when serving meals.

00:39 Masks protect us and more importantly, they stop us infecting others with our coughs and colds.

00:48 Wearing masks is considered good manners and encourages other hygienic habits among the public.

00:55 From winter, peak season for colds, right through spring with its pollen allergies,

01:00 large numbers of people wear masks in Japan.

01:03 So before COVID-19 arrived, one in three Japanese was already wearing a mask.

01:08 The huge market for masks means you can choose from an extraordinary variety of over 1,000 designs.

01:17 The current situation means we need to wear masks far more than usual.

01:24 And in many more locations.

01:26 It's stressful to keep a mask on for many hours at a time.

01:31 And this spurred one sports apparel maker to devise a solution.

01:35 They realized that the special stretchable material they'd developed for swimwear and sports clothing could help.

01:42 They used it to create highly flexible masks that fit the face snugly.

01:51 As well as being very comfortable, they can be washed and reused.

01:54 The summer heat has brought demand for cooler mask designs.

02:01 This company has been dyeing and working with fabrics for over 70 years.

02:07 They have a new product, the Cool Mask.

02:15 It's made from special heat-dissipating yarn, woven using techniques refined over many years of fabric manufacturing.

02:22 Normally, woven masks have an uneven surface and only touch your face intermittently, so any cooling effect is slight.

02:33 We wanted to maximize contact with the skin.

02:39 Their unique weaving method produces an even surface that lies flat on the face and feels much cooler.

02:45 There's a noticeable temperature difference between their Cool Mask and regular non-woven masks.

02:53 The hand that rested on the non-woven mask has a temperature of 32 degrees Celsius.

02:58 The hand that was on the new Cool Material measures only 29 degrees.

03:04 There's also a special inner pad, which can be dampened in cold water and inserted in the mask's pocket.

03:10 This further cools the air inside the mask.

03:14 Another trend is colorful masks based on traditional designs.

03:21 Kagayu-zen is a famous artisanal kimono dye method.

03:31 Now masks made from Kagayu-zen let you enjoy this beautiful look every day.

03:37 We are living through a period where everyone has had to give up most public types of entertainment.

03:46 This mother and daughter decided that at least they'd have some fun making their own masks.

03:52 Today they've chosen a typical midsummer theme, fireworks.

03:57 I thought I'd make masks that give me the feeling of being at a fireworks display.

04:02 It worked well and I found it really brightens up my day.

04:07 Today I'm wearing black and white, so I thought a pink mask would match my clothes.

04:15 Japanese masks, uniquely designed for comfort and cool looks.

04:23 As well as to keep us safe and healthy.

04:26 As well as to keep us safe and healthy.

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