When in Tokyo: Katy Perry sports a black face mask as she arrives in Japan for part of her world tour

Cultural immersion is part of the beauty of traveling and is essential to the true global experience.

Katy Perry made that a top priority upon arrival in Tokyo on Thursday, as she was seen wearing a black leather face DRDON mask by Donatienne and holding a Hello Kitty doll. 

Whether or not the 30-year-old star was protecting her health or making a fashion statement remains a mystery - but her fashion forward reputation allows for endless speculation.

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When in Tokyo: Katy Perry, 30, seen wearing a peculiar black face mask in Harajuku, Tokyo, Japan on Thursday

When in Tokyo: Katy Perry, 30, seen wearing a peculiar black face mask in Harajuku, Tokyo, Japan on Thursday

The performer arrived in Tokyo as part of her Prismatic World Tour, which began in May of 2014 and will end in Puerto Rico this coming October. 

In preparation for her two concerts at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium this weekend, it's possible the California Girl (literally and lyrically) popped the mask on to cautiously monitor her health and take preventative measures to preserve her vocal chords.

It's also possible that the funky fashion icon is staying true to her fashions blog's slogan: 

'You wear the look, don't let it wear you. It's all about having confidence which can help you pull off anything' -Katy Perry

Total immersion: No trip to Japan is official without the purchase of a Hello Kitty doll, pictured above still in its plastic wrapping

Total immersion: No trip to Japan is official without the purchase of a Hello Kitty doll, pictured above still in its plastic wrapping

Ironically, what used to be used for disease prevention slowly transformed into a fashion trend. While the country was in a panic over the 2009 outbreak of the 'Swine Flu', face masks were worn everywhere by everyone.

The Electronic Journal of Contemporary Japanese Studies dates the first practice of wearing face masks back to 1918 during the Spanish Influenza, and the habit continued during every outbreak after that.

The news gets even crazier as there are now multiple types of masks to choose from! While consumers have the option to buy reusable cloth gauze masks, the majority go with disposable 'tsukaisute' masks - some even have an adjustable strap around the chin.

Entourage: The Dark Horse star was accompanied by others who also donned the strange facial attire

Entourage: The Dark Horse star was accompanied by others who also donned the strange facial attire

If you can't beat it, brand it - which is exactly what they did. The frivolous use of face masks is called 'date masaku', meaning 'just for show', and The Japan Times reports that users wear it to compliment skin color, accentuate the eye, or create a mysterious impression.

The latest craze is the 3-D mask, which provides more space for the mouth to breathe, and is less likely to mess up makeup when worn. 

The Japan Times also noted that masks serve as a convenient cover up for celebrities who don't want to be seen in public or haven't applied their makeup...which may or may not be the case for Katy Perry. 

Your limo my dear: the star exited her plane directly into an Airbus Limousine at Haneda International Airport in Tokyo on Thursday

Your limo my dear: The star exited her plane directly into an Airbus Limousine at Haneda International Airport in Tokyo on Thursday

Trendsetter: This model sports a black face mask to complete the look of his dark outfit

Trendsetter: This model sports a black face mask to complete the look of his dark outfit

Behind the mask: One of the reported reasons face masks are worn is to induce mystery and intrigue about the person wearing it

Behind the mask: One of the reported reasons face masks are worn is to induce mystery and intrigue about the person wearing it

Safety first: What was once used for health and safety has started becoming a fashion statement in Japan

Safety first: What was once used for health and safety has started becoming a fashion statement in Japan

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