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Uneven Normalization from the COVID-19 Crisis: Evidence from a Mask Survey in Japan

Author

Listed:
  • Kei Shimazawa

    (Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research)

  • Reo Takaku

    (Hitotsubashi University)

  • Taisuke Nakata

    (The University of Tokyo)

Abstract

We aim to shed light on the society’s normalization process after a pandemic by documenting the process of unmasking in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis in Japan. For that purpose, we conducted a weekly or biweekly survey of masking wearing behaviors from Summer 2022 to Spring 2024. Japanese citizens had worn masks at a high rate until mid-March 2023—three years after the onset of the pandemic—when the Prime Minister announced that mask-wearing would become up to individuals. After the announcement, Japanese citizens gradually unmasked themselves. However, the process of unmasking was uneven; some segments of the population unmasked themselves more gradually than others.

Suggested Citation

  • Kei Shimazawa & Reo Takaku & Taisuke Nakata, 2025. "Uneven Normalization from the COVID-19 Crisis: Evidence from a Mask Survey in Japan," CARF F-Series CARF-F-611, Center for Advanced Research in Finance, Faculty of Economics, The University of Tokyo.
    • Handle: RePEc:cfi:fseres:cf611
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    References listed on IDEAS

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