In 2000, I moved to Beppu City, Ōita Prefecture, with my husband. Life has blessed me in many ways, but it has also tested me. In my 30s, I faced challenges: the sudden loss of my sister, cervical herniated disc surgery in 1993, the devastation of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995, and kidney cancer surgery in 2005.
After my kidney cancer surgery, I noticed I wasn’t laughing as much as before. Curious and eager to reclaim my laughter, I discovered Laughter Yoga Leader Training online. Although I initially hesitated to join, I was encouraged to attend training in 2011 in Fukuoka, followed by Teacher Training in Hiroshima in 2013. What started as a simple desire to laugh evolved into a life-changing journey.
A Journey of Growth and Connection
My first Laughter Yoga session lasted just five minutes, during a reading circle with quiet, introspective participants. To my surprise, they welcomed it enthusiastically, and this became a monthly tradition. Over time, my Laughter Yoga journey expanded.
Here are the reasons Laughter Yoga has become my life’s passion:
1. Proven Benefits:
Laughter Yoga’s positive effects are backed by global research. In 2014, I began leading sessions for dementia patients in a senior facility. Over time, both staff and I observed remarkable improvements. Data collected during these sessions was presented at the Japan Dementia Prevention Society in 2015, solidifying my trust in the practice.
As of December 2024, I’ve led 1,737 sessions—1,111 in-person and 626 online. Each session is a testament to the transformative power of laughter.
2. Its Uniqueness:
Laughter Yoga is unlike any other exercise. It bridges gaps between strangers, sparking joy and connection in an instant. I’ve laughed with people aged 2 to 104, and no matter the context, laughter has always spread like wildfire.
3. Community Spirit:
The motto of the Ōita Laughter Yoga Club is “For the Community!” Since 2015, we’ve introduced Laughter Yoga across the region with support from local governments and organizations. These sessions have brought together hundreds of participants and inspired the creation of LYVS (Laughter Yoga Volunteer Support), enabling us to reach daycare centers, nursing homes, and even online communities during the pandemic.
4. Empowering Leaders:
Our club trains leaders and volunteers who create their own circles of laughter. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, new groups continue to form, spreading joy to their communities.
Why I Keep Laughing
Occasionally, I ask myself: "Why am I doing so much with Laughter Yoga?" The answer is simple: I can’t stop! (Big laughter!) My life’s journey and 13 years of practice have prepared me to delve into the essence of Laughter Yoga and the human experience.
As the Ōita Laughter Yoga Club approaches its 14th year, I look forward to new beginnings with gratitude. I deeply thank Dr. Kataria, his wife Madhuri, and the global Laughter Yoga family for their unwavering support. My heartfelt appreciation also goes to my family and friends for standing by me.
Moving forward, I will continue to ask myself, “What can I do now through Laughter Yoga?” and work with love and purpose to spread joy and health.