"Nose and mouth masks of gauze are worn outdoors by Hiroshima girls as protection against infection which spread rapidly through the ruined city after the bombings. This practice was first adopted by the Japs [sic] in the '20s as a safeguard against influenza. The girls are also sporting colorful, full-length knickers which have been a national wartime costume for Japanese women."

Photo by: J.R. Eyerman. From: Life, Vol. 19, No. 15, Oct. 10, 1945; 33.