Face Masks

You see quite a few people wandering around Tokyo in surgical face masks. Are they concerned about pollution? Perhaps they are trying to avoid the nasty niffs that almost make you gag, rising up from the drains?

Speaking to a Japanese friend in the office you wear a face mask if you are feeling ill and don't want to pass your germs onto someone else. Very well mannered the Japanese. In stark contrast to all the westerners that are wondering around snivelling.