What does the Japanese term, “rui-katsu”, refer to?

“Rui-katsu”, which translates into ‘tear-seeking’, is a recently developed (2015) Japanese therapeutic practice for both men and women that is claimed to relieve stress levels and bring people together. The first such crying event in Tokyo was organized by Hiroki Terai, a former salesman who had previously launched a successful business conducting cathartic (though unofficial) divorce ceremonies. After watching his clients shed tears and then leave on better terms, he got the idea to start hosting “rui-katsu” events.

The logic behind the use of a handsome man in the “rui katsu” therapy for women is that many people behave differently around people that they are attracted to, and certain experiences are more emotionally heightened when close to someone seen as attractive. The dilation of pupils, faster beating of the heart and other signs help with the elation from the crying experience. The service that sends handsome men to dry the tears of crying Japanese women is called “ikemeso takkyubin”, which literally translates into ‘tear couriers’. The "courier" (a good-looking man, or "ikemen" in Japanese) will watch sad videos with the client until she cries, using a handkerchief to wipe away her tears and gently touching her cheek.

Hiroki Terai is a businessman and author with 11 published books to his credit, including one called “Ikemeso Danshi”, which features pictures of different-looking, but considered attractive men crying, to appeal to a range of tastes.