The Japanese sense of aesthetic and sense of humour comes to fore despite the onset of flu season as well as the outbreak of the new Influenza A (H1N1) virus. Manufacturers catering to the Japanese market have come up with different lines of designer flu masks and gauze mouth covers.

Flu masks — that most fashionable accessory for hay fever sufferers and bosu-zoku has taken a turn for the kawaii, with cutesy pink lace masks and purple butterfly-design mouth covers.

There is even a line that reflects the design of traditional Japanese kimono — to make sure that your outfit is coordinated from nose to toe. Other variants include a lacy number described as a “bra-type”, which mimics the silk, lace, and Lycra confections Japanese office ladies wear under their uniforms.

While many of these masks are surgical grade, not all are guaranteed to protect you from airborne viruses. It is still more advisable to purchase masks from medical supplies stores and pharmacies instead of fashion outlets and apparel retailers. This means you, DLSU Taft Campus students 😀