In this Japanese region, it is mandatory under law to laugh at least once a day, here is why
The ordinance was passed last week based on research from Yamagata University¡¯s Faculty of Medicine, which found that laughter can reduce the risk of heart disease.
They say that laughter is the best medicine, and studies have shown that it has several positive health effects, such as lowering blood pressure, epinephrine, and glucose levels, increasing glucose tolerance, and more. But in today's fast-paced world, amid the rat race, not many people get the time to unwind and have a good laugh.
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New laugh law in Japan
This will no longer be the case for the residents of Japan's Yamagata Prefecture, where a law has just been passed directing citizens to laugh at least once a day. The local government in the northern Yamagata Prefecture passed an ordinance last week to encourage residents to snigger, chortle, or guffaw daily and asks business operators to ¡°develop a workplace environment that is filled with laughter.¡±
Also read: World Laughter Day: Try Laughter Yoga For These 5 Health Benefits
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What is behind the law
According to Japanese media reports, making people laugh at least once a day is aimed at improving the health of people there. The ordinance was passed last week based on research from Yamagata University¡¯s Faculty of Medicine, which found that laughter can reduce the risk of heart disease.
The study also pointed to other research that has established a link between laughter and life enjoyment, positive psychological attitudes, and elevated levels of competence, trust, openness, and conscientiousness.
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Laugh day every month
Further, the local government has also designated the eighth day of every month as a day to promote health through laughter. Though the law undoubtedly has good intentions, it has not been welcomed by everyone, especially those in the opposition. Some have argued that to laugh or not to laugh is a fundamental right of the individual and that it should not be enforced.
While it is now mandatory in Yamagata Prefecture to laugh at least once a day, the authorities have clarified that there will be no penalties for those failing to do so.
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