Students who became so used to wearing face masks during the coronavirus pandemic are signing up for lessons to teach them how to smile again. Smile coach Koike Kawano who runs 'Smile Education' has seen a four-fold rise in demand for lessons, including one-on-one sessions costing 7,700 yen (£44.24) in Japan.
"I think there's a growing need for people to smile," she said. It comes as the country prepares for the return of tourists after the government recently lifted its mask-wearing guidance following three years.
There is also training available to become a smiling coach like Kawano, with one-day workshops on offer for 80,000 yen (£455.46). In one demonstration, people are being taught how to train their mouth and cheekbones to smile by biting on a straw while lifting their cheek muscles to show their top teeth, Japan Times reports.
