By applying the three stages of normalisation process theory, this thesis analyses the contribution of face mask producing businesses in Japan for mask normalisation. It concludes that mask...Show moreBy applying the three stages of normalisation process theory, this thesis analyses the contribution of face mask producing businesses in Japan for mask normalisation. It concludes that mask normalisation from the 2000s onwards has mostly been performed by mask producing businesses and that the industry was often aided by governmental support and regulations on mask manufacturing, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. By analysing governmental influenza preparedness protocols, mask production numbers and mask media articles in the Asahi Shinbun, this thesis claims that the influence of mask producing businesses for mask normalisation in Japan started in the second half of the 20th century. In the second half of the 20th century, the government of Japan shifts from legislating face masks for the general public during health hazards to solely recommending mask-wearing in such events. Along with this emphasis on individual health responsibilisation, from the 2000s onwards, the government places the responsibility for mask promotion, distribution and production during health hazards on the mask producing industry itself. This causes mask businesses to have free range in advertising masks, which ultimately diversifies mask-wearing purposes. Because of this, masks increasingly lose their originally intended health care purpose and so they are often employed as risk rituals. Recently, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks in Japan seem to have regained their originally intended purpose. And with today´s extensive mask usage and mask innovation, face masks also have become completely integrated into Japanese society.Show less
