Authorities in Japan's Yamagata Prefecture have passed a resolution encouraging residents to laugh at least once a day, The South China Morning Post reported.
According to the country's Liberal Democratic Party, which proposed the law, laughing every day will improve residents' physical and mental health. The party also urged employers to create a conducive atmosphere in the workplace. The authors of the law explained the adopted initiative with the results of a medical study conducted at Yamagata University. They concluded that laughter can not only improve health but also prolong life. The party also cited another scientific study that laughter increases people's competence, openness and conscientiousness.
However, not everyone reacted positively to the new resolution. Members of the Communist and Constitutional Democratic Parties of Japan voted against its adoption. They accused the Liberal Democrats of restricting the natural rights and internal freedom of citizens. In response, the sponsors noted that the resolution did not oblige people to laugh, but only encouraged them to do so. The Liberal Democrats drew attention to the fact that the law passed did not imply any penalty for non-compliance.
Earlier, it was reported that UK nursing home residents had revealed the secrets of strong bonds. One elderly woman said that laughter and fun help to sustain love for many years. I BGNES
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