People most countries have stopped wearing masks. Japan, many people are still covering . Some of those who have gone maskless, or who want to, are taking lessons how to smile. A lot of adults say they have "forgotten" how to smile naturally three years of wearing a face covering. They are taking lessons "smile coaches" to relearn how to smile confidence. One coach, Keiko Kawano from a "smile education" company, spoke to the Asahi Shimbun newspaper her work. She said: "Mask wearing became normal, so people had fewer opportunities to smile. Many people developed a complex smiling. I want people to smile their physical and mental wellbeing."
Smile coaches Japan may be busy for some time to come. A recent survey Laibo Research found that 27.8% of company employees their 20s to 50s would continue to wear masks. Just over two-thirds people said they would wear a mask depending the situation. Only 5.5% said they would go mask-free. Ms Kawano is well known Japan. She has coached more than 4,000 people the art of smiling. She has also trained hundreds of "smile specialists". She said: "Smiling makes a good impression others and helps communication. It also has the effect making yourself feel more positive." She added: "Moving and relaxing the facial muscles is the key a good smile."