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People laughing for 20 minutes

Video. Osaka shrine hosts annual laughter ritual

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Hundreds gathered on Monday at Hiraoka Shrine in Osaka, Japan, to participate in a year-end Shinto ritual aimed at "laughing away" the bad memories of the past year.

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

A 17-year-old attendee from Kyoto said the ritual turned out to be surprisingly fun, while a first-time participant from Kagoshima described it as a memorable family experience. The laughter, symbolising renewal and hope, created a joyful start to the coming year.

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