One of the problems in developed countries is the medical costs of lifestyle-related diseases and cancer. There is a trend to look at laughter as a solution to this problem. As we age, our immune function weakens and we become more susceptible to infectious diseases. This deterioration of immune function is called “immune senescence.” As immune senescence progresses, abnormal cells grow and become cancerous. However, cancer cells are generated on a daily basis even in healthy people. If the immune function is normal, these cancer cells are rendered harmless. However, as immune senescence progresses, the immune system is no longer able to suppress the growth of abnormal cells. As we age, these anxieties become more apparent.
Research on laughter has begun to provide examples of how to dispel these anxieties. It has become clear that laughter enhances the activity of cytokines and natural killer cells, which have an immune effect. For example, an experiment was conducted to confirm the relationship between laughter and immune function from the perspective of psychoneuroimmunology. 50 students were divided into two groups: one group was asked to watch a comedy video that is popular among young people for about 60 minutes, and the other group was asked to sit and read magazines. The students’ blood was taken before the experiment and again after the experiment to examine the activity of natural killer cells. The students were divided into two groups and the change in natural killer cell activity was measured. The result was that the activity of natural killer cells in the group who sat and read magazines decreased. On the other hand, the activity of natural killer cells in the students who watched the comedy increased significantly. It has been scientifically proven that laughter enhances immune function. Many research cases of this type have been reported.
Leading companies are increasingly interested in human capital management and health management. NTT is working with the National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry to scientifically verify the effect of laughter on mental health. It has been revealed that watching comedy videos significantly increases the cerebral blood flow that sends oxygen and sugar to the frontal lobe of the brain. NTT is considering developing medical equipment that improves various symptoms by watching comedy videos. Not only NTT, but also Yoshimoto Kogyo, the home of comedy, is promoting a laughter and health project and is working on a wide range of partnerships with companies. Yoshimoto believes that the power of laughter can lead to improved employee health and a more comfortable working environment. It seems that Yoshimoto has already received inquiries about partnerships from about 20 companies behind the scenes. We hope that they will realize a system in which laughter contributes to improved health.
