“Unmasking" trend in Japan's service industry Starting from May 8, more companies in Japan's service industry plan to let their employees go maskless at work. This follows the government's decision to downgrade COVID-19 to a less-severe Category 5 under the infection diseases prevention law. The shift in anti-virus mask policies at these companies reflects the rising desire in the industry to return to pre-pandemic normality.   While some companies will maintain their mask-wearing mandates out of "consideration for customers," they appear to be in the minority. For example, employees of Hoshino Resort Co., a Nagano Prefecture-based operator of inns and hotels, will stop wearing masks at work on May 8. The company believes that it's important for the tourism industry that staff greet guests with a smile to communicate a welcoming feeling.   So far, Hoshino Resort's mask rules have been situation-based, such as whether staff members are indoor...