Workplace stress from mounting files, tightening deadlines, and fatigue impacts morale for many professionals. Addressing this, Japanese firm Ikemeso—blending 'ikemen' (handsome man) and 'mesomeso' (crying)—specializes in anti-stress services for female employees, deploying attractive men to provide emotional relief.
Founder Hiroki Terai notes that women often face greater workplace stress than men, inspiring Ikemeso's model. The service dispatches selected 'ikemen' to console clients after humiliations, disappointments, or burnout. Employees choose from profiles based on desired traits. For about 60 euros, the consoler visits the office to empathize by crying alongside her, offer comfort, and gently wipe tears—following a strict charter emphasizing cheek-drying delicacy over eye-rubbing. This approach aims to foster authentic colleague interactions by encouraging emotional expression.
Ikemeso positions this as an innovative path to healthier workplace dynamics.
