How Crying Is Helping People Find Calm & Why Rui-Katsu Is Leading The Way

In Japan, an unusual wellness trend called rui-katsu – literally meaning 'tear seeking' – is giving people a space to release their emotions through deliberate crying sessions. This guided practice has been designed to help participants manage stress, reconnect with feelings, and enjoy a sense of calm. With trained facilitators, carefully chosen emotional triggers, and a supportive atmosphere, rui-katsu is redefining the way society views tears, shifting them from a sign of weakness to a tool for emotional wellbeing.

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Understanding Rui-Katsu and Its Purpose

Rui-katsu is a Japanese emotional therapy built around structured crying sessions. The aim is to encourage participants to experience genuine tears in a safe, supportive setting, helping them to release pent-up emotions. Organisers create an environment where vulnerability is embraced rather than avoided, and tears are recognised as a natural response that can contribute to mental clarity and stress relief.

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How the Sessions Work

During rui-katsu, attendees gather in small groups or private sessions led by trained facilitators sometimes referred to as 'tear teachers'. These leaders select stimuli such as touching films, moving music, or heartfelt stories designed to elicit a sincere emotional response. The atmosphere is kept quiet and intimate, allowing participants to cry without feeling judged or self-conscious. While there is no fixed session length, events are typically long enough to allow individuals to fully process their emotions.

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The Science Behind Emotional Release

Psychological research suggests that crying can support emotional regulation by helping the body return to a balanced state. Tears produced during emotional moments are believed to carry stress-related hormones, and the act of crying can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, fostering a feeling of calm. While some studies also indicate that crying may prompt the release of 'feel-good' chemicals such as oxytocin and endorphins, the effects vary between individuals, and the benefits often depend on the social and emotional context.

Cultural Context in Japan

In Japan, where social etiquette often encourages restraint in public emotional expression, rui-katsu offers an outlet that feels both structured and socially acceptable. The concept has appealed to a range of people seeking a way to process their feelings without stigma. Rather than being viewed as a weakness, tears within these sessions are reframed as a strength — a sign of self-awareness and emotional honesty.

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A Growing Trend in Wellness

Since its introduction, rui-katsu has attracted interest from individuals looking for alternative stress-relief methods beyond traditional therapy or meditation. The practice has appeared in various Japanese cities and occasionally draws international curiosity, reflecting a wider movement towards mental health practices that embrace emotional release. While it remains a niche activity, its appeal lies in the combination of cultural sensitivity, guided facilitation, and an emphasis on emotional acceptance.

The Role of the Facilitator

Facilitators in rui-katsu sessions play a crucial role in shaping the emotional atmosphere. They not only choose the right content to evoke genuine feelings but also support participants through the experience, ensuring no one feels pressured or unsafe. The goal is not to force tears but to create conditions where they can emerge naturally, allowing each person to find their own pace and depth of emotional engagement.

Potential Benefits and Considerations

Many participants report feeling lighter, calmer, and more connected to themselves after a rui-katsu session. The shared experience of crying in a group can also create a sense of solidarity and mutual understanding. However, experts emphasise that while crying can be therapeutic for many, it is not a substitute for professional mental health care when dealing with deeper psychological challenges.

A New Perspective on Tears

By offering a space where people can freely cry without embarrassment, rui-katsu challenges long-held ideas about emotional restraint. It positions tears as a form of emotional hygiene — something as natural and necessary as sleep or exercise. For those seeking a unique and reflective form of self-care, it offers a gentle yet powerful way to reconnect with their feelings in a supportive environment.