Hiring a Handsome Man to Wipe Away Your Tears? The Latest Emotional Service Trend!
In Japan, a unique and somewhat unexpected service has emerged, offering people the chance to hire a handsome man to wipe away their tears. For 7,900 yen (around $65), the Tokyo-based company Ikemeso Danshi, which translates to “Handsome Weeping Boys,” will send a man to your workplace to comfort you during an emotional breakdown. If you’re struggling to shed tears, they’ll even watch sad videos with you until the tears flow. Yes, you read that right – emotional support, served with a side of good looks.
A New Type of Emotional Support
The idea behind Ikemeso Danshi is not just about providing a shoulder to cry on. It’s part of a broader trend in Japan where people are finding ways to pay for experiences that help them connect emotionally with others, even if it’s in an unconventional setting. Whether it’s crying together, cuddling, or simply having someone around to make you feel less alone, these services aim to meet the emotional needs of a society that is increasingly isolated.
Founded by Hiroki Terai, a businessman with an eye for spotting gaps in the emotional health market, Ikemeso Danshi takes this emotional connection to the next level. Terai had previously worked on a service that helped people mark the end of a marriage. It was through his experiences with this service that he realized the therapeutic benefits of crying. Inspired by this, he began organizing public screenings of sad movies to encourage strangers to cry together. This led to the creation of Ikemeso Danshi, where professional tear-wipers are now available to help people express their emotions.
The Rise of “Tear Seeking” (Rui-Katsu)
Ikemeso Danshi isn’t just a business model – it’s a movement. Terai has become somewhat of an advocate for rui-katsu, or “tear seeking,” which refers to the act of seeking tears for emotional release. He even published a book titled Ikemeso Danshi, which features photographs of male models crying. The idea is simple: crying isn’t just about sadness. It’s about emotional release and healing.
Why Is This Necessary?
Japan is seeing a rise in single-person households, which makes it more difficult for individuals to connect with others. In fact, one-third of Japanese households are made up of just one person, a number that’s expected to grow to 40% by 2035. With fewer social interactions and increased isolation, emotional services like Ikemeso Danshi offer a solution for those struggling to connect on a deeper level.
Moreover, Japan’s rising divorce rate and lower marriage rates contribute to a greater sense of loneliness in society. The growing need for emotional comfort and connection is where businesses like Ikemeso Danshi come in, offering a new way to cope with personal struggles.
The Experience: What to Expect
For those who decide to book a session, the experience is designed to be soothing and comfortable. You’ll be matched with a handsome man from their lookbook, each of whom is trained in the art of empathy and emotional support. Whether you’re at work or home, your chosen “tears wiper” will arrive with a comforting presence and a soft touch.
If you’re in need of a little nudge to get the tears flowing, the tear-wiper may suggest watching a sad video together. Don’t be surprised if they come equipped with a toothbrush to gently wipe away any tears that do escape. It’s an oddly intimate experience, yet one that many find deeply healing.
A Sign of the Times
Ikemeso Danshi reflects larger social changes in Japan. As society becomes more individualistic, many people are finding themselves struggling with emotional isolation. Services like this may seem unusual, but they’re tapping into a real need for human connection and emotional release.
Whether it’s to cope with loneliness or simply to experience the therapeutic act of crying with a stranger, this service offers an outlet for people to process their emotions in a controlled, non-judgmental environment. In a world where social isolation is becoming more common, businesses like Ikemeso Danshi are providing a new form of emotional support that blends the personal with the professional.
Conclusion
So, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed and in need of a good cry, you could consider booking a handsome tears wiper to help you through it. While it may seem odd, this innovative service from Japan is part of a growing trend of emotional support services that are redefining what it means to seek comfort in today’s world.
