As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread around the world, it’s unlikely that things will be returning to normal any time soon. As a result, face masks are probably going to be an essential part of our wardrobe going forward. Wearing masks has always been fairly normal in Japan, but perhaps putting an anime character on them will convince the obstinate in the west? Announced on Tuesday, Osamu Tezuka’s Black Jack is getting a series of face masks, dragging the 1973 series straight into 2020.
Produced by Fukkan, these Black Jack face masks come in two designs. The first one features Kuroo Hazama AKA Black Jack in his iconic silhouetted pose, letting his excellent character design do most of the work. The second features panels from the manga, including Hazama’s diminutive wife/assistant Pinoko.
Fukkan assures their customers that these Black Jack face masks are properly elasticated and therefore work well to combat the virus, as well as being “soft on the skin” thanks to their cotton material. They are also washable and reusable, meaning that you won’t have to go out and buy another pair once eight hours is up.
Apparently, these masks are just “the first” in a series of goods set to come from Tezuka Productions, although I have no idea why. It’s still three years until the series’ 50th anniversary, and this year marks 47 years since the series’ debut in Akita Shoten’s Weekly Shonen Champion.
Even so, more Black Jack is always a good thing, and I must admit that it is quite hilarious to see Tezuka’s retro series pulled straight into the current situation with these face masks. I also think that Tezuka’s iconic doctor character would have a thing or two to say to those who think that masks are the work of the devil!
You can purchase these Black Jack face masks via Fukkan.