Nonstop laughing for 20 minutes: Japan’s ritual for good fortune

France 24Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 3:27:21 PM
Nonstop laughing for 20 minutes: Japan’s ritual for good fortune
  • Every winter in Osaka, Japan, thousands participate in a unique ritual known as 'Owarai Shinji', where they laugh nonstop for 20 minutes. This event is rooted in ancient Japanese mythology, which suggests that laughter has the power to bring the sun back to the world, symbolizing unity, hope, and renewal among the participants.
  • The significance of this ritual extends beyond mere amusement; it fosters a sense of community and collective optimism, highlighting the cultural importance of laughter as a source of good fortune and resilience in challenging times.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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