Just when you thought you’re done thanking Japan for ramen and Shiseido among many other things, this little land introduces one more solution we eventually might need: a hot guy cheerleading service.
The latest installment in Japan’s rentable people business consists of dispatching men to wipe tears off sad ladies’ faces. Ikemeso, the company responsible of launching this enterprise, banks on a few men, who are licensed in “therapeutic crying,” to help let out customers’ pent-up tears. Of course, they have to look good while they’re at it.
Currently, a total of six men may be “rented,” depending on the customer’s taste. You want cool guy? Get the one in plaid. You dig brown-haired Asians? Pick the one on the bottom left—he comes with a free toothbrush.
A few folks at the online platform RocketNews24.com tried out the service themselves, choosing Mr. Tokyo who wears a black blazer and blue polo. The soothing type, he came equipped with a children’s picture book, a dramatic visual aid, and his trusty hanky. The day ended with dry eyes and supposedly a lighter atmosphere. Looks like they got what they paid for.
Now, it’s easy to dismiss this as bogus and sad. The latter, maybe. The former, not really. The service is supported by science, particularly by studies that outline the many benefits of crying to our overall wellbeing. “Even shedding just a single tear can produce stress-alleviating effects that last for a whole week,” Mr. Tokyo—in real life, Ryosuke Doi—said.
The service is a convenient answer to lowering work-related stress, specifically among Japanese working women.
It’s natural to cry. But we have to admit: Paying a stranger to wipe our tears (and witness our ugly sobbing) is just plain lazy. Last time we checked, most of us had hands. More importantly, we had friends we didn’t have to pay for to comfort us. Wait, where are they now?
Well, great. That’s another reason to cry. Bring this tear delivery men service here, now.
Photo courtesy of RocketNews24
