Authorities in the Japanese prefecture of Yamagata have adopted an innovative law to improve the well-being of its residents: citizens will now have to laugh at least once a day.
> > > You can read: Ireland to ban breeding, sale and import of American Bully XL dogs
The proposal is backed by the city’s Liberal Democratic Party and stems from a study conducted by Yamagata University’s School of Medicine, which associates laughter with health benefits and a longer life expectancy, according to local press reports.
For the Japanese, laughing is not a joke
The decree suggests that Yamagata residents promote their physical and mental health through daily laughter. and encourages employers to create happier work environments.
In addition, the eighth day of each month has been established as a special day for “promoting health through laughter.”
Not everyone is laughing at this measure
The Communist Party and the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan have expressed their opposition, arguing that the measure could violate constitutional rights, such as freedom of thought and expression.
“Laughter is a fundamental human right. Those who, for health or other reasons, find it difficult to laugh should not be forced,” said a representative of the Communist Party.
In defense of the ordinance, the promoters of the law clarified that No penalties will be imposed on those who choose not to follow the recommendation to laugh daily.
> > > You may be interested in: Man sentenced to life in prison for plotting to kill well-known UK TV presenter
Source: https://www.noticiascaracol.com/mundo/en-japon-aprobaron-ley-que-obliga-a-ciudadanos-a-reir-una-vez-al-dia-es-por-su-salud-rg10
