
Because sometimes you need a little help on the way to and from a good cry.
Ikemeso Takyubin’s name loosely translates as “Handsome Tear Deliveryman,” which is a pretty succinct description of what the company offers. For a fee, Ikemeso Takyubin, which just started operations in September, will dispatch a hot dude to your office to lead you through a therapeutic crying session.
Eager to try the service out for ourselves, we quickly checked out the company’s website, where we were presented with a choice of one of six tear-coaxing professionals.
After careful consideration, we decided on the dapper-looking “Mr. Tokyo,” shown on the top right and billed as an iyashi/soothing type. After receiving a reply email, all we had to do was decide on the date and time we wanted him to swing by our office.
Of course, his family name isn’t really “Tokyo.” Mr. Tokyo is actually Mr. Doi, or Ryosuke Doi, to be thorough. Showing up with a smile on his face, a warm glow in his eyes, and a book in his hand, Doi stepped inside our workspace and began by outlining the benefits of crying. “Even shedding just a single tear can produce stress-alleviating effects that last for a whole week,” he explained.
Next, it was story time, as Doi read from the touching and sweet children’s picture book he’d brought with him.
As we felt our water works strut to rumble, Doi next set up a projector and played a dramatic, moving video for us.
When the lights came back on, we noticed that Doi himself was getting choked up.
But tears can be as contagious as laughter, and we suddenly realize that there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Everyone was crying, and that’s where Doi’s real work began.
One by one, he went around the room, gently wiping away tears and patting cheeks. With so many eyes to dry, you have to supply your own handkerchief, but Doi offered advice along with encouragement. “When you cry, don’t scratch at your eyes,” he taught us. “Dab them gently, so they won’t swell.”
▼ Okay <sniff> Mr. Doi. We <sob> we will <sniff>.
Once everyone’s tears have been tended to, there’s a block of time for the crying session participants to talk with each other. While one person crying at work can be awkward, somehow everyone crying together breaks down a lot of interpersonal barriers, and we definitely noticed freer, more open communication in the office after our session.
If you’re interested in Mr. Tokyo or his associates working their cathartic magic on you, reservations can be made here through the Ikemeso Takyubin website, with a roughly one-hour session costing 7,900 yen (US$66).
Related: Ikemeso Takyubin
Top image: RocketNews24
Insert images: Ikemeso Takyubin, RocketNews24
[ Read in Japanese ]









Only in Japan: Rent a hot guy to make you cry then wipe your tears away
Feeling cold at night? Tokyo company will dispatch a hot guy to your place for a chaste sleepover
We tried super spicy wasabi ramen and yakisoba that’s rumored to make anyone cry【Taste Test】
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning seems to be affecting Osaka’s Namba and Dotonbori neighborhoods
Japanese company selling bear-proof automatic doors
Foreign driver’s license conversion test passes plummet from over 90% to 33% in Japan
Viral 3D ice creams land in Japan… but are they worth the hype?
A whole slew of Totoro Christmas cakes are on their way to make the season extra merry【Photos】
Uniqlo Ukiyo-e Blue T-shirts: A cool-hued reinterpretation of some of Japan’s greatest paintings
Three reasons why you should definitely visit Taiho Ramen in Fukuoka Prefecture
New anime mecha figure’s pilot is…you!?!【Photos】
Popular Japanese ramen restaurant Ichiran’s lucky bags are great value for money
KFC Japan opens a Christmas restaurant in Tokyo…but why???
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowd sizes in Nara?
Studio Ghibli stamps lift your spirits with motivational phrases from Totoro
Japanese town suing resident for being a jerk
Is Kyoto less crowded with tourists after China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning?【Photos】
You can now buy a Japanese train station clock in Japan
Japanese police attempting to clamp down on “zombie cigarettes”
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Leave a Reply