In Yamagata prefecture, northern Japan, the local government has come up with a unique way to boost public health—by making laughter part of the daily routine. Yes, you read that right! According to a new ordinance, residents are now encouraged to laugh at least once a day to keep heart attacks at bay.

This rule was inspired by a study conducted by Yamagata University School of Medicine, which was published five years ago in the Journal of Epidemiology. The study highlighted the many health benefits of laughter, suggesting that a good chuckle can go a long way in reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems.

The ordinance, passed last week, aims to spread awareness about these benefits. It encourages citizens to "deepen their understanding of the beneficial health effects of laughter and make efforts to shape mental and physical health through means such as laughing once a day." Workplaces are also urged to foster an "environment filled with laughter." 

But not everyone is laughing. Some politicians and experts are up in arms, claiming that the ordinance is overstepping personal freedoms. Toru Seki, an assemblyman for the Japan Communist Party, argued, “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 inner freedom.”

Shigeru Minamino, a constitutional expert at Kyushu University, didn’t mince words either. "To sum it up: don't be ridiculous. It's none of your business," he wrote. "I believe it is good to laugh at least once a day, but that's down to my personal opinions and values. It's not something to be ordered or recommended by a prefectural assembly."

The study that kicked off this laughter movement involved nearly 17,152 participants aged 40 or younger. They filled out a questionnaire about their laughter habits and had their health tracked over several years. The findings showed that those who laughed at least once a week had fewer cardiovascular issues compared to those who laughed less than once a month. Interestingly, only loud, audible laughter counted; silent giggles didn’t make the cut.

Kaori Ito, one of the ordinance's sponsors, was quick to clarify that no one will be punished for not laughing. "The ordinance does not force people to laugh," she said. "It also emphasizes respect for an individual's personal decision."

So, while Yamagata’s laughter law might sound like the setup for a comedy routine, it’s all about promoting well-being and happiness. The local government is betting on the idea that a daily dose of laughter can create a healthier, more joyful community.

Whether you find it amusing or absurd, Yamagata’s new rule is a reminder that sometimes the best medicine is a good laugh. So, next time you're feeling down, remember: in Yamagata, laughter isn’t just a reaction—it’s a prescription for a happier, healthier life.