You know it's influenza season in Japan when . . .

not only is everyone wearing face masks, but they also dispose of them on the streets. I can’t help noticing them on the sidewalks as I walk to and from work.  This kind of litter is far from what I’m used to seeing in California.

It's also interesting to observe the variety of masks.  I’ve seen a Lilo and Stitch mask, a cheetah print one, and even one with a cat nose and whiskers on it (which I immediately sent home to dad, of course).

Some are small, covering just the mouth and nose while others are larger, extending from under the chin to right under the eyes. Some have thick elastic straps to go around the ears while others have thin straps.  I even saw one mask with extra padding to cover the exposed areas on the sides of your nose…talk about ultimate protection, right?

I’ve tried wearing masks a few times but haven’t been able to keep them on for more than an hour or so. I guess it’s one of those things that takes some time to get used to. Some people don’t even take them off to smoke a cigarette or get something to eat. They simply pull the mask down under their chin until they’re ready for it again.

I’m not really sure whether or not these masks actually prevent influenza or keep people from spreading it, but I do know this: if I ever spot a Relax Bear mask, I’m buying it.