The Yamagata Prefectural Government in Japan has approved a new regulation recommending that citizens laugh at least once a day to maintain health. The initiative came from the Liberal Democratic Party, as reported by daily.afisha.ru with reference to the South China Morning Post.
The law advises residents to indulge in laughter in any form every day, be it giggling or loud laughter. Employers are encouraged to create a fun environment in the workplace. Every eighth day of the month is declared a day of “promoting health through laughter.”
The Initiative was inspired by local university research that found a link between laughter, improved health and increased life expectancy. Scientists have found that people who rarely laugh have a higher risk of mortality and cardiovascular disease.
However, not all political forces supported this decision. The Communist and Constitutional Democratic parties opposed it, arguing that the right to laugh is a personal choice of each person and is guaranteed by the Constitution.
In response to criticism, the authors of the resolution emphasized that the law is advisory in nature and does not provide for punishment for those who do not want to laugh.
It Is worth noting that in the history of Japan there have already been unusual laws. For example, until 2014 there was a ban on dancing in nightlife establishments, which was lifted after lengthy legal proceedings.
