Japanese Prime Minister Abe’s Abenomask Gauze Masks Are Too Little, Too Late
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CONTENTS
Months later, after the Japanese state of emergency, most people are finally getting their masks, and they’re still not happy.
The Masks Are Here
In early April, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced his first policy in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, a plan to distribute two whole masks to every household in the country. The plan, dubbed "Abenomask" (アベノマスク, literally "Abe's masks") was met with frustration from the start, angering residents with the weak response to the increasingly urgent pandemic, and inspiring internet users to create some memorable Abenomask memes. Announced on April 1st, it almost seemed like an April Fool's joke.
In the intervening months, Abe finally announced the state of emergency called for by many in the general public, and the people of Japan have been learning how to live through the coronavirus pandemic, buying out paper surgical masks and cute fabric masks alike. A nearly 2-month state of emergency in Japan was announced and then ended, and people are now returning to school and work. What most people haven't been taking advantage of, however, is the two gauze masks Abe promised to every household. Why? Well, for one, it's because most people hadn't even received them.
Not only did the masks take months to arrive at many people's houses, but the deliveries were also further hampered by issues with the masks themselves. People reported receiving masks covered in mold and mildew, or packaged with dead insects and random hairs. Fortunately, these arrived safely.
The Reality of Using the Abenomask
Not even dogs like them. Kuruki is displeased.
The papers sent along with the masks included information and recommendations from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. It even acknowledged that two masks wasn't enough for many households, but, grasping at straws, reminded readers that these masks were washable and reusable. It's all a nice sentiment, but that wasn't even the end of the problems.
Above, the gauze Abenomask. Below, a paper surgical mask, now back in stock at drugstores around Japan. Do you see the issue?
The gauze masks are significantly smaller than the masks people are used to. The width is especially obvious when compared like this, with the light blue surgical mask extending an extra centimeter or so on each side. Less obvious but equally problematic is the height – the pleats mean the paper mask is expandable, where the gauze is not. There were even reports of extremely uneven elastic ear loops, making the masks shift to the side of the face. For a lucky few with smaller faces, especially women, the masks are fine. They might be just right for kids. But for most adults…
Image Source
The size problem was clear from the start, when Prime Minister Abe first showed off a sample of the new masks while explaining the new policy. In fact, it was one of the main sources of humor when people reacted to the announcement. Some of the ridicule was focused on Abe's own big face, but while he may have a big head, the mask was clearly small for most adults.
The Abenomask vs. A Normal Surgical Mask
When the function of a mask is to cover the wearer's nose and mouth without any need for adjustment throughout the day, the Abenomask clearly defeats the purpose. But considering how long it took for them to arrive, many people only receiving their masks in the last days of the state of emergency or later, most people have probably figured out alternatives by now, anyway.
Details
NAME:Abenomask Plan
Korean, living in Japan for 15+ years・Articles written in Korean by Andy Kin and translated by Sophia Appelbaum.
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Kansai (関西) is a region that includes Mie, Nara, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, and Shiga Prefectures. Kansai contained Japan's ancient capital for hundreds of years, and it's making a comeback as one of the most popular parts of Japan. Kyoto's temples and shrines, Osaka Castle, and the deer of Nara are all considered must-sees. Plus, the people of Kansai are especially friendly, making it a fun place to hang out.
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Kyoto flourished as the capital of Japan between the years 794 and 1100, becoming a center for poilitics and culture, and to this day it's a great place for close encounters with Japanese history. The cobbled streets of Gion, the atmospheric road to Kiyomizudera Temple, Kinkakuji's golden walls and countless historic attractions, even Arashiyama's Togetsukyo Bridge―Kyoto is a place of many attractions. With new charms to experience throughout the seasons, travelers can't stop themselves from returning again and again.
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Nara Prefecture's important history reaches back to 710, a time now called the Nara era, when it was once capital of Japan. Called "Heijo-kyo" during its time as a capital, it's said that nara was once the end of the silk road, leading it to flourish as a uniquely international region and produce important cultural properties of all kinds. To make the most of each season, travelers head to Nara Park, where the Nara deer who wander freely, or climb Mount Yoshino, a famous cherry blossom spot.
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OSAKA
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Osaka is known for friendly (and funny) people, but its history is nothing to laugh at, playing a major part in Toyotomi Hideyoshi's 16th century unification of Japan. Thanks to long years of economic activity, it's one of Japan's biggest cities, and Osaka's popular food culture earned it the nickname "The Kitchen of the Nation." To this day Osaka is the model of western Japan, and alongside historic structures like Osaka Castle, it also has major shopping malls like Umeda's Grand Front Osaka and Tennoji's Abeno Harukas. Osaka is a place to eat, eat, eat, with local specialties like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushi-katsu, and for extra fun, it's home to Universal Studios Japan.
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CHUGOKU
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The Chugoku Region (中国地方) consists of five prefectures: Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori, and Yamaguchi. In Chugoku you’ll find the sand dunes of Tottori, and Hiroshima’s atomic bomb site, plus centers of ancient history like Grand Shrine of Izumo.
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HIROSHIMA
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Hiroshima Prefecture has everything, from world heritage sites to beautiful nature and delicious local cuisine, and it's either an hour and a half from Tokyo by plane, or four hours by train. Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island and the Atomic Bomb Dome, two Hiroshima UNESCO sites, are famous around the world, but in Japan it's also famous for food. Seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, especially oysters, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, and Setouchi lemons are all popular, and the natural scenery alone is worth seeing.
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SHIKOKU
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On the other side of the Seto Inland Sea opposite Japan’s main island, Shikoku (四国) is a region made up of four prefectures: Ehime, Kagawa, Kochi, and Tokushima. The area is famous for its udon (in Kagawa), and the beautiful Dogo Onsen hot springs (in Ehime).
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KAGAWA
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Kagawa Prefecture is on the northern part of the island of Shikoku, facing Japan's main island and the Seto Inland Sea. It's known for being the smallest prefecture in Japan, by area, but at the same time Kagawa is called the "Udon Prefecture" thanks to its famous sanuki udon. Aside from Kotohiragu Shrine and Ritsurin Garden, the prefecture's small islands are popular, and Kagawa is full of unique destinations, like Angel Road. They say that if you lay eyes on Zenigata Sunae, a huge Kagawa sand painting, you'll never have money troubles ever again.
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KYUSHU
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Located in the most southwestern part of Japan, Kyushu (九州) is an island of 7 prefectures: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima. The island's unique culture has been influenced by Chinese and Dutch trade, along with missionaries coming in through Nagasaki's port. Modern-day travelers love the lush natural scenery and fresh food, plus the natural hot springs found all throughout the area (thanks to volcanic activity)!
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FUKUOKA
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Fukuoka Prefecture has the highest population on the southern island of Kyushu, with two major cities: Fukuoka and Kitakyushu. Thanks to growing transportation networks, Fukuoka is more accessible than ever, and so are the many local attractions. On top of historical spots like Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, travelers shouldn't miss Fukuoka's food scene, with motsu nabe (offal hotpot), mentaiko (spicy cod roe), and famous Hakata ramen―best eaten from a food stall in the Nakasu area of Hakata. Plus, it's full of all sorts of destinations for travelers, like trendy shopping centers, and the beautiful nature of Itoshima and Yanagawa.
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KAGOSHIMA
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Kagoshima Prefecture played a major role in Japan's modernization as a backdrop for famous historical figures like samurais Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi, who pushed Japan out of the Edo era and into the Meiji. Because of that, Sengan-en Garden is just one of many historical destinations, and when it comes to attractions Kagoshima has plenty: the active volcano of Sakurajima, popular hot springs Ibusuki Onsen and Kirishima Onsen, World Heritage Site Yakushima Island, even what Japan calls the "island closest to heaven," Amami Oshima. Kagoshima might be found on the very southernmost tip of the southern island of Kyushu, but there's plenty to see.
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OKINAWA
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The island chain of Okinawa (沖縄) makes up the southernmost tip of Japan, which is why it's also the most tropical area in the country. Thanks to a history of independence and totally distinct political and cultural events, Okinawa has a unique culture, and remnants of the Ryukyu Kingdom are still visible all over the islands. Food, language, traditional dress, it's all a little different! It's also said to be the birthplace of karate.
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