Japan's Smile Coaching Industry Booms as Mask Mandates End.

With the end of mask mandates in Japan, some people are struggling to adjust to life without face coverings and have turned to smile tutors to relearn how to smile without feeling awkward. Smile education company Egaoiku has seen a 4.5 times increase in applicants since the announcement of the end of mask mandates. Smile coach Keiko Kawano teaches participants to move and relax their facial muscles to make a good smile, which is important for physical and mental wellbeing. The classes are particularly popular among women and involve stretches to relieve facial tension before practicing smiling in front of handheld mirrors.