From a 2018 article:
https://gogonihon.com/en/blog/why-do...le-wear-masks/
Quote:
|
With this many people packed into this small of an area, risk of contagion and disease is much higher. Japanese are taught the importance of prevention at an early age.
|
Quote:
|
A recent 2011 poll by Japanese news site News Post Seven surveyed 100 people in Tokyo and learned that 30 percent of Japanese wear masks for reasons not having to do with sickness.
|
Quote:
|
On a more personal note, some Japanese wear masks as a way to add a degree of separation between society and themselves. As a reserved culture that’s very conscious of the judgement of others, those who are shy and lacking in self-esteem sometimes wear masks to hide from the bustling world.
|
It is very much a cultural thing.
If you do some research, many sites point to seasonal allergies in that part of the world as the main reason for masks. Not because of illness.