Some people in Japan reportedly became so used to wearing face masks during the COVID pandemic that they are taking classes to teach them how to smile again.

Instructor Keiko Kawano said that students in her classes hold mirrors up to their faces and use their hands to stretch their mouths up and outward, forcing themselves to smile.

Reuters reported that Kawano has seen an uptick in demand at her business Egaoiku, which means “smile education,” for her smile classes now that the pandemic is over. Mask use in Japan was nearly universal during the pandemic, the report said.

“Culturally, a smile signifies that I’m not holding a gun and I’m not a threat to you,” she said. “I think there’s a growing need for people to smile.”

A 20-year-old student who took the class said, “I hadn’t used my facial muscles much during COVID so it’s good workout for my face.”

“When you are alone at home, it’s normal not to be facially expressive,” Kawano told German broadcaster DW News. “If this is the case, then not moving (parts of) your face becomes the norm. I think there were a lot more such cases during the COVID pandemic.”

Students use tablets with apps installed that help them regain their smiles. The app captures their smile and gives them a score.

Did COVID mask restrictions make you forget how to smile? A course in Japan helps one rediscover that old pre-pandemic grin ???? pic.twitter.com/HIlKuByfbe

— DW News (@dwnews) June 5, 2023

A 79-year-old who took the class said it has proven to be valuable.

“I didn’t have opportunities to see people during the coronavirus crisis and didn’t smile in public,” she said. “This has reminded me of how important smiling is.”

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Kawano said that she tries to convey to students that it does not matter how they feel on the inside because “a smile is only a smile if it’s conveyed.”

“Even if you’re thinking about smiling or that you’re happy, if you have no expression, it won’t reach your audience,” she added.