The relevant resolution was put forward based on the results of research conducted at the Faculty of Medicine of Yamagata University.
Authorities in Japan’s Yamagata Prefecture have passed a resolution urging residents to laugh at least once a day to improve their physical and mental health. This was reported by The South China Morning Post (SCMP).
The idea was put forward by members of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). In the text of the document, officials encourage the Japanese to smile every day, and local businessmen are urged to create a laughter-filled work environment.
This initiative is the result of research conducted at Yamagata University’s School of Medicine. Local scientists have identified laughter as a factor in improving health and increasing life expectancy.
For example, an article published in the Journal of Epidemiology in 2020 analyzed the health status of 17,152 people over the age of 40 and proved that mortality and the incidence of cardiovascular disease were significantly higher among people who do not laugh much.
This study mentions other works in which the authors have established a link between laughter and life satisfaction, positive psychological attitudes, and increased levels of competence, trust, openness, and conscientiousness.
However, the new decree sparked a debate in some political circles, with members of the Communist and Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDJ) voting against the proposal.
“To laugh or not to laugh is one of the basic human rights guaranteed by the Constitution, as well as freedom of thought and religion,” said communist Toru Seki.
Representatives of the Liberal Democratic Party denied all accusations and pointed out that the resolution was not binding, but rather advisory and did not provide for punishment for non-compliance.
