Is it rooted in corona? European mask customs May 29 17:27
In Europe, the spread of the new coronavirus has changed the landscape of the city. The number of people wearing masks increased all at once.
Until a few months ago, wearing a mask made me laugh at me exaggeratedly, misunderstood that I was infected with a virus, and even stared at me. was.
However, with more than 150,000 people dying from a virus in Europe alone, there is a growing trend to mandate wearing them in public places.
How can people who never thought of wearing a mask take root as a new habit? We covered the front line of mask sales. (Vienna Office Director Hiroto Utsuzu Berlin Office Director Yamaguchi Yoshi)
Mandatory mask wearing in Germany
Germany is gradually easing antivirus measures. People are enjoying shopping in the center of Berlin.
Masks were introduced when people returned to the city.
Masks are now required to be worn nationwide when using public transportation such as buses and subways, and when shopping in stores.Nail salons and laundry shops are now selling masks. It was
Vending machine that appeared at station Naka
In addition, vending machines that handle masks are even available at subway stations in central Berlin.
The material is 100% cotton. A type that can be washed repeatedly. A mask of various colors such as gray and pink is sold for 4.5 euros (about 530 yen). When I saw it a few weeks ago, it was 5.5 euros (about 650 yen), so it is easy to buy.
Purchasing is easy. All you have to do is enter the money and press the number of the mask you like. When I bought one, I got a mask that was folded and wrapped one by one.
It's sold at stations because it's targeted at people on subways that are obliged to wear masks. When I visited for coverage, I was able to see the person buying it.
"If you forget your mask, you can buy one here. I think it's a good idea."
"I see some people who don't wear masks on trains, but with vending machines, I can't say that I couldn't buy it."
Another vendor was rushing to develop a mask vending machine, and it will be installed in various parts of Germany in the future.
640 designs
In some countries, fashion is driving the popularity of masks.
Austria, in central Europe, was originally restricted from wearing masks due to the anti-terrorism law called the "Unmasked Law".
However, the policy changed significantly from April. Wearing in stores and public transportation is now mandatory.
And now, mask shops are opening in various places, and things have changed.
The store that opened in April is lined with unique items such as sports types, anime patterns, and national flag patterns. There are 640 designs.
Originally it was a mobile phone repair shop, but we have switched to a shop that sells masks. He says he has prepared a wide variety of masks to suit people's tastes because he has no habit of wearing them.
Masks of these various designs are accepted mainly by young people. I heard that they are checking the fashion of masks on Instagram, and that they are trying to change their mood by selectively using it for work and private.
A woman in a mask
"I have 5 kinds of masks, and today's color matched my dress and bag."
Celebrity favorite brands
Fashion brands are also beginning to make masks.
One of them is the long-established store that opened in Vienna in 1903, and is a hat brand that is known to have customers such as Madonna and Brad Pitt.
Designer Klaus Mühlbauer says that the masks of the citizens have become prominent in the town, so I felt the possibility of masks as fashion and tried it out. As a hat designer, he was interested in "fashionable face".
Each of the masks hand-made by craftsmen is made of high-quality cotton and has a simple color.
The price is 25 euros (about 3000 yen), but when I tried to put 60 pieces in the store, it sold out in no time.
Due to the heavy demand, he said he stopped manufacturing hats for about three weeks and concentrated on making masks.
Mulebauer
"We prepared 6 different colors so that you can match them with hats, clothes, skin and eye colors. In the future, masks may become an essential daily item, so they can be incorporated into everyday life. I wanted to do it. ''
An important item in a fashion store
There are also fashion stores where masks, which have spread as fashion items, have become important items.
Herbert Rieger, who runs a clothing store in Vienna and is also a designer. While she couldn't sell clothes while she was out of the house, she was forced into a tough business situation because of the heavy burden of store maintenance costs such as rent.
For this reason, when we made a number of masks in combination with the fashion of clothes, it became a "signboard" for a new store, and 650 pieces have been sold so far. We hope that masks will continue to be top-selling products.
Mr. Lieger:
"The masks have saved me for two months when I'm out of the house. I don't know how long mask customs will last in our country, but as long as the virus crisis persists, if this culture remains I like it. ''
Mask culture Rooted in European style
Unlike Japan, which often uses disposable non-woven fabrics, the masks worn by people who pass through European towns are conspicuous.
Governments in various countries attach great importance to covering their mouths and noses to prevent sneezing and coughing to some extent, and it is acceptable to use scarves and towels without a mask.
In Germany and Austria, there is a high awareness of environmental protection, and it seems that there are many people who have resistance to disposable masks.
With the growing view that the effects of viruses will continue, the "new lifestyle" of masks may take root little by little in a European way that is different from Asia.
Hiroto Kazutsu, Director General of Vienna Branch in
2002
Tehran Branch Bureau In
charge of Central and Eastern Europe, United Nations and nuclear issues
Yoshihiro Yamaguchi, Director of Berlin Branch Entered in
2008
Hakodate station, Sapporo station, International department, German politics and society