The use of masks for television personalities on camera is recently garnering debate among the public and entertainment industry in Japan after news anchors on a major broadcaster began wearing them during a program.
The network TV Tokyo Corp. began implementing the use of face masks for its anchors from Jan. 18. After Mariko Oe, one of the anchors, asked viewers to send their feedback, the network received over 1,000 comments of which approximately 80 percent regarded the move favorably.
Some of those who disliked the use of masks on camera remarked it was difficult to make out the anchor's facial expressions. The network is also preparing the use of subtitles after viewers with hearing difficulties requested them because they were "unable to lip-read."
The use of masks on camera has been questioned from various voices from across the field. Satoru Masagaki, executive director of broadcasting at public broadcaster NHK, denied during a recent press conference they were needed, saying acrylic panels were put in place in the studios and that reporters "put significant distance between one another."
However, some viewers have expressed discomfort about those not wearing masks.
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"It irritates me how the public is wearing masks and holding its breath to prevent the spread of the virus, while it seems as if everything is normal on TV," said a 44-year-old woman in Tokyo. "I'm often working from home, but I've recently stopped watching TV (because of it.)"
Some television programs have also garnered criticism on social media for their use of clear mouth shields, which are said to have limited effectiveness in preventing the spread of infections.
The discrepancy between talent agencies and broadcasters has been growing, with one television director saying it is unfeasible to ask those appearing on camera to "hide their face with a mask" because "they sell their looks, so to speak."
An employee of a talent agency said it is "difficult" to refuse the use of mouth shields provided by the networks.
The use of masks on camera "is likely an effective method to convey a sense of crisis," said Soichiro Matsutani, a sociology expert.
But the adjunct lecturer at Tokyo's Musashi University added that putting distance between one another through the use of acrylic panels and participating remotely should be enough.
"We need to be logical and rational, but I'm concerned about the situation in Japan where some people avoid working remotely" because they are too focused on having personal interactions and picking up on nonverbal cues to know what is expected in a certain situation, Matsutani said.
"It's important to devise a way in which cast members can work remotely, such as by participating from a separate room," he said.
