Daily laughs mandated in Yamagata, Japan to improve heart health

WEB DESK: Yamagata Prefecture in northern Japan is pioneering a unique health initiative: requiring its citizens to laugh at least once a day. This new ordinance, passed last week, is grounded in scientific evidence suggesting that laughter reduces the risk of heart attacks.

The rule draws from a scientific paper published five years ago in the Journal of Epidemiology. Researchers at Yamagata University School of Medicine conducted a comprehensive study, providing compelling evidence of laughter’s numerous health benefits.

According to the ordinance, Yamagata residents “will deepen their understanding of the beneficial health effects of laughter and make efforts to shape mental and physical health through means such as laughing once a day.”

Workplaces in Yamagata have also been instructed to foster an environment filled with laughter. Additionally, the eighth day of every month has been designated as a “day of laughter,” where promoting laughter is especially encouraged.

Despite its good intentions, the rule faces opposition. Several politicians argue that it infringes on constitutional rights and adversely affects those unable to laugh.

Toru Seki, an assemblyman for the Japan Communist Party, stated, “To laugh or not to laugh is one of the fundamental human rights guaranteed by the constitution regarding freedom of thought and creed as well as an inner freedom.”

Satoru Ishiguro, from the coalition Prefectural Politics Club, echoed these concerns, emphasizing, “The human rights of those who have difficulties laughing due to illness or other reasons must not be undermined.”

Others argue that while laughter is beneficial, it should remain a personal choice rather than a legal mandate.

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