Crying clubs are the new wellness trend helping Indians embrace their tears

Life often demands more from us than we can give. Between deadlines, obligations, and endless distractions, our emotions often get pushed aside. But a surprising wellness trend is now finding its way into Indian cities: crying clubs. Inspired by Japan’s “ruikatsu” or tear-seeking, these spaces encourage people to gather, open up, and simply let the tears flow.

Mumbai has joined Delhi, Bengaluru, Surat, and Hyderabad, with its own Cry Club in Khar Road offering a sanctuary for unspoken feelings.

At Cry Club, the atmosphere is calm and supportive. Soft music, warm drinks, and plenty of tissues welcome participants. More importantly, there’s acceptance. Here, strangers become companions in vulnerability, listening without judgment, interruption, or attempts to fix. Crying, ranting, or silent reflection is all welcome. The philosophy is simple: you arrive as you are and leave feeling lighter, having given yourself the gift of release.

The Japanese origin of tear therapy

Crying together may sound unusual, but it has deep roots in Japan. In 2013, entrepreneur Hiroki Terai observed that intentional crying helped people feel emotionally unburdened. He coined the term ruikatsu—a combination of rui (tears) and katsu (activity)—to describe structured sessions where people sought opportunities to cry. These gatherings often involved watching emotional films, listening to heartfelt stories, or reading letters, guided by “tear therapists.” What began as an experiment soon became a recognised form of emotional wellness, showing that tears can be powerful tools for healing.

Why tears matter?

Science backs what cultures have long known: crying isn’t weakness—it’s release. Emotional tears carry stress hormones and help calm the nervous system. They also encourage the production of mood-boosting chemicals like oxytocin and endorphins. Beyond biology, crying offers connection. Across India, vulnerability is often discouraged. Men are told to suppress tears, women to cry in private, and children to hold back. Crying clubs challenge these norms, reminding us that tears are human—and when shared, they reconnect us to a sense of belonging.

It takes courage to cry in front of strangers. But that act transforms isolation into solidarity. Crying clubs help participants move from silence to expression, creating small circles of honesty in an otherwise relentless world. Each tear becomes an act of release, of rebuilding, of honouring emotions long ignored.

In a society that glorifies speed and resilience, we often forget that we are meant to feel. Crying clubs—whether in Tokyo or Mumbai—remind us that slowing down to express emotions isn’t indulgence; it’s necessary. In our fast-paced lives, these spaces teach us to pause, to emote, and to remember that feeling deeply is just as vital as moving forward.

Lead image: IMDb

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