Laughter the Best Medicine in Japan: Local Government Passes New Health Law

The local government in Japan’s Yamagata prefecture has introduced an ordinance encouraging residents to laugh at least once daily to promote better physical and mental health.

Yamagata’s Laughter Ordinance

• Calls on business operators to create a work environment filled with laughter.
• Research Basis: Based on research from Yamagata University’s Faculty of Medicine. Links laughter to improved health and longevity.
• Study Findings: A 2020 study in the Journal of Epidemiology observed 17,152 subjects over the age of 40. Found low frequency of laughter associated with higher all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease incidence.
  • Laughter linked to life enjoyment, positive psychological attitudes, and higher levels of competence, trust, openness, and conscientiousness.
• Laughter Promotion Day: The eighth day of every month designated to promote health through laughter.
• No Penalties: Local authorities clarified no penalties for failing to laugh daily.

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Criticism and Concerns

• Freedom of Expression: Critics argue that laughter is part of freedom of expression and a fundamental human right.
• Health Considerations: Concerns raised about people with illnesses or other reasons preventing them from laughing.

Conclusion

Yamagata’s laughter ordinance aims to enhance health and happiness, but faces criticism regarding freedom of expression and challenges for individuals unable to laugh daily.

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