E-MAIL FROM NAGANO.(SPORTS)

If I didn't know better, I'd think Japan was a nation of frustrated doctors.

People walk around wearing surgical masks everywhere.

In the streets.

In stores.

In offices and restaurants.

It's as if surgical masks were the Japanese answer to American body-piercing.

But it's not a fashion statement. It's Japanese courtesy that the ill extend to others.

``They do not want to give other people germs,'' explained Tsuyoshi Ogawa, whose command of English is better than many of his fellow Nagano Games volunteers. ``Also, it helps protect our throats from the cold.''

When told that Americans don't share that custom, Ogawa let out a startled, ``Ohhhhhhh.'' So, what is the Japanese word for these surgical masks?

``Mask,'' Ogawa said.

When it comes to restroom facilities, the Japanese also seem to have a penthouse-or-outhouse approach. The toilets in the media village are Western-style, enhanced by electric seat warmers. Anybody venturing into town, though, had better be prepared to confront the Japanese-style toilet.

In essense, a hole in the ground, as I discovered the other day. No seat.

A random poll of Ogawa and a handful of female volunteers standing nearby concerning which facility they prefer -- Janpanese or Western -- drew laughter. One of the women cast an assertive vote for Japanese-style.

``It's good for the legs,'' she explained.

Ogawa suspects the Western way will continue to grow in popularity.

Which should dramatically decrease the number of muscle pulls suffered by tourists.

And provide a big boost to newspaper readership.

E-MAIL FROM NAGANO.(SPORTS)

If I didn't know better, I'd think Japan was a nation of frustrated doctors.

People walk around wearing surgical masks everywhere.

In the streets.

In stores.

In offices and restaurants.

It's as if surgical masks were the Japanese answer to American body-piercing.

But it's not a fashion statement. It's Japanese courtesy that the ill extend to others.

``They do not want to give other people germs,'' explained Tsuyoshi Ogawa, whose command of English is better than many of his fellow Nagano Games volunteers. ``Also, it helps protect our throats from the cold.''

When told that Americans don't share that …