In an unprecedented initiative, Yamagata prefecture in Japan has passed a new law encouraging its residents to laugh at least once every day to enhance both physical and mental health. The law, which was enacted last week, is based on research from Yamagata University’s Faculty of Medicine that highlights the health benefits of laughter.
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), this new legislation urges residents to “snigger, chortle, or guffaw daily” and asks businesses to foster a work environment that promotes laughter. Additionally, the eighth day of each month has been designated as a day for “residents to promote health through laughter.”
The law stems from comprehensive studies at Yamagata University, which have shown that frequent laughter is associated with better health and increased longevity. The research indicated that individuals who laugh less frequently have significantly higher rates of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, laughter has been linked to greater life enjoyment, positive psychological attitudes, and higher levels of competence, trust, openness, and conscientiousness.
Despite the positive intentions, the law has faced opposition from several politicians who argue that it infringes on individual rights, particularly for those who find it difficult to laugh due to health issues or personal circumstances. Toru Seki of the Japanese Communist Party (JCP) stated that the freedom to laugh or not laugh is a fundamental human right guaranteed by the constitution regarding freedom of thought and creed.
Similarly, Satoru Ishiguro of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ) expressed concerns about the potential impact on those who cannot laugh, emphasizing the need to respect their human rights.
In response, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has defended the law, clarifying that it does not mandate laughter but rather encourages it. Kaori Ito of the LDP highlighted that the ordinance respects personal decisions and has no penalty clause for those unable to comply.
Local officials have reiterated that the primary goal of the law is to promote health and well-being through laughter, without imposing any compulsory measures. The initiative aims to create a more positive and health-conscious community by recognizing the significant benefits that regular laughter can bring.