Japan has dropped its three-year-long masking request in one of its last steps in easing COVID rules in public places. However, nothing has changed as residents continue to wear them.

Having spent so long behind masks, several Japanese people are reportedly attending workshops and seminars on how to smile in the new, mask-free era.

Japanese masks in real life, like the Kitsune masks, hold symbolic significance and draw inspiration from mythology and cultural beliefs.

For many people around the world, face masks have become an essential accessory to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. In Japan, however, a mask has now become part of formal attire. Public officials ...

"The Mask" is one of Jim Carrey's zaniest comedy vehicles, but a Japanese promotional poster for the film made it look like a terrifying horror movie.

Dropping the mask-wearing request is one of Japan's last steps in easing COVID-19 rules in public places. Many people are still wearing them for now.

Japan announced this week that mask-wearing is now a personal choice, but the policy shift appears unlikely to change the way most people act.

For Japan's World Baseball Classic games, cheering will be allowed but masks are likely to remain in place at the Tokyo Dome.

KASHIHARA, Nara -- Masks developed in Japan using a copper alloy have been confirmed effective against the coronavirus's omicron strain.

SAGA -- A doctor at a municipal clinic in the Saga Prefecture city of Kanzaki has been fired after vehemently scolding junior high school students for not wearing masks and then violently ...