Masks

There seemed to be a constant layer of smog.

I sat opposite a middle aged woman and her mother who were wearing paper masks. They weren't everywhere but weren't uncommon.
Yesterday I saw a tall handsome 30ish man and his pretty wife and children - the man was wearing a mask but no-one else was.

They're even acceptable to wear at work, in shops and hotels etc.
I couldn't help but wonder what other Japanese thought of those who chose to wear the masks.

In New Zealand we would have an increase in visits from friends and family, asking in Really Loud Voices, 'Are You OK Dear?'