To address this issue, a unique solution has emerged in the form of "smiling lessons," aimed at relearning and rekindling the art of smiling. These lessons are available at a cost of 7,700 yen ($47) per session.
From Sky News:
While the coverings were already common in the east Asian country pre-COVID, with many using them to combat seasonal illnesses and hay fever, their use skyrocketed when it became official government guidance to wear them during the worst of the outbreak.
Many people wouldn't be seen in public without a mask, with the practice becoming near-universal after the virus emerged more than three years ago.
With the government having finally lifted its recommendation to wear masks in March, Himawari Yoshida was among those who realised they had rather forgotten how to go about life without them.
"I hadn't used my facial muscles much during COVID," said the 20-year-old.
She has now hired the services of a "smile instructor", saying it's "good exercise" and will help her prepare to enter Japan's jobs market.
Ms Yoshida and her classmates, mostly young people, are being taught by Keiko Kawano, who in one exercise has them hold up mirrors to their faces, stretching the sides of their mouths with their fingers.
I've gotta say, this is odd.
While it's commendable that certain individuals in Japan are seeking to convey warmth and friendliness through their expressions, the act of smiling is innately ingrained in human nature. It is rather astonishing to consider that one might genuinely forget or be unfamiliar with such a fundamental facial expression.
But maybe that's because I'm an American, and we smile at just about everything!
