Photo/Illutration Prime Minister Fumio Kishida removes his mask before fielding questions from reporters in Toda, Saitama Prefecture, on Feb. 10. (Pool)

The central government will adopt a special measure allowing students to attend graduation ceremonies without wearing a mask, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters on Feb. 10.

Kishida made the announcement after visiting an elementary school in Toda, Saitama Prefecture.

“Children who are graduating this year have spent the past three years always wearing a mask,” the prime minister said. “I strongly encourage them to attend their graduation ceremony looking at each other’s smile.”

Kishida said with necessary precautions implemented, such as air ventilation measures, students and teaching staff can attend graduation ceremonies without wearing a mask except when they sing the national anthem and other songs.

The central government is expected to change its policy in mid-March and leave whether to wear a mask up to the individual.

However, graduation ceremonies at some schools in Japan will be held before then.

Some schools and some Diet members have asked the central government to allow for no masking at graduation ceremonies, saying that the graduating students have been wearing a mask at school for the past three years.

“I think there will be children who will want to wear a mask,” Kishida said. “I strongly urge (schools) not to force such children to remove their masks.”

Regarding the mask policy at graduation ceremonies, the education ministry is expected to issue a notice to education boards nationwide as early as the evening of Feb. 10.

“In principle, students and teaching staff do not need to wear a mask throughout the graduation ceremonies,” the notice will say.

But guests and the students’ guardians will still be required to don a mask.

Children and teaching staff will also be required to wear a mask when they sing or when multiple students address the audience.

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