Looking to release your emotions amid the stress and disappointments? India’s metros have come up with a solution – crying clubs. Mumbai recently got one, while Delhi, Bengaluru already have their versions.
What are crying clubs? Why are they becoming popular? Is there science behind it? What is the concept?
Firstly, why do tears matter?
Crying plays an important role in mental health by helping regulate emotions, reduce stress, and promote psychological relief. Studies have shown that emotional crying activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms the body after stress, and may release hormones like oxytocin and endorphins that improve mood and relieve pain. Research by Dr. William Frey suggests that emotional tears can even carry stress-related chemicals out of the body, providing a form of detoxification. Crying also encourages social support by signaling distress and fostering emotional connection, which can reduce feelings of isolation. However, the mental health benefits of crying depend on context—people often feel better after crying when it happens in a safe and supportive environment, but those with conditions like depression may not experience the same relief.
What is a crying club?
Mumbai’s The Cry Club in Khar offers the definition in an online announcement for its June 15 event – a safe, non-judgmental space to express emotions. It is basically a space where supportive strangers are ready to listen, not fix.
What does Mumbai’s The Cry Club offer?
“Tissues, tea, and emotional support music provided. Ranting, crying, and hugging are encouraged. Designed to help you leave feeling lighter. Step into a space where your feelings are welcome and your tears are safe,” it says.
The Cry Club invites you to embrace your emotions in a gentle and non-judgmental environment, it says. “Whether you’re carrying heartbreak, burnout, or just the weight of the week, come as you are. Surrounded by soft lighting, comforting tea, and people who understand, you’re free to cry, rant, or simply sit in silence. There’s no pressure to explain or fix anything. It’s a quiet rebellion against emotional suppression a place to let go, breathe, and leave feeling just a little bit lighter,” it says.
Do other metro cities have such clubs?
Surat has had a Healthy Crying Club since 2017. Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad host informal vulnerability circles inspired Ruikatsu.
What is the Japanese concept behind crying clubs?
Ruikatsu, literally meaning “tear activity” or “tear-seeking”, is a Japanese wellness trend focused on the intentional act of crying to relieve stress, improve emotional health, and promote mental well-being. The term combines the words “rui” (tears) and “katsu” (short for “katsudō,” meaning activity), similar to other Japanese trends like “shūkatsu” (job hunting) or “konkatsu” (marriage hunting).
Ruikatsu involves organized sessions where participants gather to watch emotional films, listen to touching stories, or read heartfelt letters—anything that can provoke a genuine emotional release. The idea is that crying helps people release bottled-up emotions, especially in a society like Japan’s, where expressing vulnerability in public is often discouraged. These sessions are sometimes led by professional “tear therapists” who guide individuals through the process.
How did the concept come up in Japan?
The term was first coined around 2013 by Hiroki Terai, a Japanese entrepreneur who originally gained attention for offering “divorce ceremonies.” He noticed that people going through breakups or stressful life events often felt better after crying, and this observation led him to create structured sessions where people could cry intentionally to relieve emotional tension.
Why is Ruikatsu popular?
In high-pressure environments like Japan’s work culture, emotional suppression is common. Ruikatsu provides a safe and socially acceptable outlet to let those feelings out. Scientific studies have also supported the idea that crying—especially emotional crying, not just reflex tears—can reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure, and promote emotional clarity. Participants often report feeling lighter, calmer, and more emotionally balanced after a session.
Why Ruikatsu is key to Japan
Ruikatsu taps into a broader cultural shift in Japan toward mental health awareness, emotional literacy, and alternative forms of stress relief. While Japan traditionally values emotional restraint and stoicism, especially in public or professional settings, trends like ruikatsu are helping normalize emotional expression in a structured, purposeful way.
With Agency Inputs
