Mask-wearing culture persists in Japan despite eased guidelines
Japan has dropped its request for people to wear masks after three years, but many people are expected to keep wearing them due to the country's strong pressure for conformity. The mask request was dropped for outdoors last summer, yet many have kept wearing them. Restaurants, stores, and airlines removed signs asking customers to wear masks, but many of their employees are keeping their masks on to show consideration for customers and others who need protection. Spectators at baseball and soccer games will no longer be asked to wear masks and will be allowed to cheer without masks.