Japan enshrines daily laughter into law to promote heart health
In a move that underscores the importance of humor for health, a Japanese prefecture has legally mandated daily laughter. According to a new ordinance in Yamagata prefecture, residents are required to laugh at least once a day to reduce the risk of heart attacks. This decision follows a study conducted by the local university that highlighted the health benefits of laughter.
The scientific basis for the laughter law
The law is based on a scientific paper published five years ago in the Journal of Epidemiology by a Yamagata University School of Medicine team. The study provided compelling evidence that laughter has a host of health benefits.
The new rule states that Yamagata citizens “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.” Additionally, workplaces are encouraged to foster an “environment filled with laughter,” with the eighth day of each month designated as a “day of laughter” to further promote this initiative.
Opposition and concerns
Despite the positive intentions, the laughter mandate has faced opposition from several politicians. Critics argue that it infringes on personal freedoms and adversely affects those unable to laugh due to health or personal reasons.
“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,” stated Toru Seki, an assemblyman for the Japan Communist Party.
Satoru Ishiguro, from the coalition Prefectural Politics Club, echoed these sentiments, saying, “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 obligation.
The study that inspired the ordinance involved nearly 17,152 participants aged 40 or younger, who filled out questionnaires detailing their laughter frequency. Their health was tracked over several years. The results indicated that individuals who laughed at least once a week were less likely to develop cardiovascular problems compared to those who laughed less than once a month. However, only “laugh out loud” instances were counted, while silent laughs were not considered.
