Yamagata prefectural assembly adopts ‘laugh once a day’ ordinance

[thomas]

No kidding: the prefectural assembly passed an ordinance encouraging daily laughter for better health despite some human rights concerns. Sponsored by the LDP, it urges residents to laugh daily for physical and psychological well-being and asks businesses to foster a laughter-filled workplace. The ordinance was approved on 5 July, based on a Yamagata University study linking frequent laughter to lower early death risk. The eighth of each month is designated as a day to promote health through laughter. The LDP holds a majority in the assembly.

Kensei Club, a group of assembly members of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and others, as well as Japanese Communist Party assembly members found nothing to laugh about and voted against the ordinance. "The human rights of those who have difficulties laughing due to illness or other reasons must not be undermined," Satoru Ishiguro of Kensei Club told the plenary session on 5 July. "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," Toru Seki of the JCP said. In response, Kaori Ito of the LDP said: "The ordinance does not force people to laugh. It also emphasizes the respect for an individual's personal decision."

Hokkaido has designated 8 August as the "day of laughter" for its residents, while Osaka Prefecture has implemented programs to promote health through laughter.

Yamagata adopts ‘laugh once a day’ ordinance to promote health | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis