Many people have not stopped wearing masks. In Japan, many people still wear them. Some of those who have gone maskless are having lessons in how to smile. Some people say they have "forgotten" how to smile naturally because they had a face covering for three years. They are taking smiling lessons to relearn how to smile with confidence. "Smile coach" Keiko Kawano from a "smile education" company spoke about her work. She said people smiled less because of masks, so they developed a complex. She wants people to smile for their mental wellbeing.

Smile coaches in Japan are busy. A survey by Laibo Research found that 28% of company workers in their 20s to 50s wear masks. Just over two-thirds said they wear a mask depending on the situation. Only 5.5% said they stopped wearing a mask. Ms Kawano has coached 4,000 people in the art of smiling. She has also trained hundreds of "smile specialists". She said: "Smiling makes a good impression on others and helps communication. It also has the effect of making yourself feel more positive." She said: "Moving and relaxing the facial muscles is the key to a good smile."