Any Shinto followers looking to catch a bit of Christmas spirit in Japan at this time of year might head for the Hiraoka Shrine in Osaka, where there’s a laughter festival led by shrine priests…

Check out this link for a video of the 20 minute laugh fest…
http://www.hiraoka-jinja.org/special/2012-owarai-shinji.html

During the free event, which starts at 10 a.m., priests will encourage attendees to laugh for about 20 minutes. There will also be a laughing contest from 11 a.m. in which anyone can take part.

The shrine is close to Hiraoka Station on the Kintetsu Nara line.
For additional information, call (072) 981-4177.

Hiraoka Jinja shrine festival (courtesty golden jipangu)