Osaka shrine hosts annual laughter ritual

The event, rooted in Japanese mythology, saw participants laughing loudly for 20 minutes. Some laughed while looking at each other, while others captured their smiles on their phones.

A 17-year-old attendee from Kyoto said the ritual turned surprisingly fun, while a first-time participant from Kagoshima called it a memorable family experience. The laughter, symbolic of renewal and hope, helped create a joyful start to the coming year.