The Japanese government lifted its mask-wearing mandate last week.

Now Japanese feel they have forgotten how to smile.

Many feel reluctant to step out without the face cover.

So, they are taking lessons on how to smile.

They are practising smiling and other facial expressions before they take off their masks in public.

“Smile practice” seminars have become a rage in Japan.

People young and old, and a large number of women, are attending sessions on how to smile.

Some in Japan worry that their smile might come across as fake.

Others are anxious to show the lower part of their face, which was hidden under the mask for almost three years, to strangers.

The smile business is booming in Japan.

Such sessions started even before the mask mandate was eased.

Since February, the number of participants has grown by 4.5 times compared to last year.

However, there have been no studies to indicate that wearing masks for a prolonged time affects facial muscles.

For more stories, go to Firstpost