
31 Best Luxury Gifts for Men
Best Luxury Gifts at a Glance
Highlights from our list include:
Now we've had a look at our favourites, let's check out the complete list.
Yamazaki 18 Years Old Mizunara | Image: House of Suntory
Yamazaki 18 Years Old Mizunara
In Partnership with House of Suntory
Price: AUD$3,700
As a country famed for its absolute devotion to craftsmanship and extreme attention to detail, it only makes sense that Japan boasts an approach to whisky that elevates the category (and potentially your gift giving bona fides) to new heights. This is how we come to the Yamazaki 18 Years Old Mizunara, a highly anticipated and mouth-watering release from Japan's oldest malt whisky distillery that embodies the wonderful results that can only come from a slow maturation process in barrels crafted from exceptional Japanese wood.
Matured exclusively in casks made of the ancient Japanese oak Mizunara for more than 18 years, the resulting liquid is imbued with ethereal aromas of sandalwood, coconut, and incense. Awaiting the palate are layers of subtly spiced organette with undertones of Japanese incense, while a long and spiced finish completes a picture that's only possible thanks to the alchemy that occurs when whisky is made the Japanese way. This exceptional gift that only deserves to be shared with exceptional people is available exclusively at premium liquor outlets.
Ulysse Nardin Blast Sparkling Rainbow | Image: Ulysse Nardin
Ulysse Nardin Blast Sparkling Rainbow
Price: AUD$781,400
Swiss luxury watchmaker Ulysse Nardin is well-known for breaking boundaries, and this time around, they've done so in a truly opulent fashion. So goes the Blast, a limited edition showstopper of multi-coloured sapphire. Jaw-dropping on sight, it renders multiple impressions as you take in the skeletonised dial face and its array of sophisticated mechanics. There are only 8 pieces in the world, and each one costs as much as a house. We still say it's worth it!
Hellyers Road Distillery American Oak 22 Year Old Single Cask | Image: Hellyers Road Distillery
Hellyers Road Distillery American Oak 22 Year Old Single Cask
Price: AUD$1,450
Tasmanian whisky is in a class of its own, and this ultra-aged single malt is in a class above that. Hailing from one of the region's most acclaimed distilleries, it spent over 22 years inside barrels that once held Jack Daniel's whiskey. Between the passage of time and the influence of environmental factors, we get an exceptionally complex dram, which delivers notes of lemon curd, ginger cake, charred oak, stone fruit, and peach syrup on the palate. Sealing the deal is a custom-made presentation box from local artisan Rob van Tholen. This release is limited to just 80 bottles, so get one before it's gone forever.
Jaques Marie Mage Chelsea Sunglasses | Image: Jaques Marie Mage
Jaques Marie Mage Chelsea Sunglasses
Price: AUD$1,480
The kind of sunglasses that mean you'll never need another pair, this classic Jaques Marie Mage frame boasts a timeless shape that's somehow vintage and yet entirely forward-looking at the same time. With the perfect combination of sharp lines and sleek curves, all amplified by oversized temples that boldly frame the wearer's face, it's an essential style that you'll want to wear for years to come.
A limited production of 350 pieces, each one is a work of art. From the Havana 10mm cured cellulose acetate used to construct the frame to the dark gold deployed as punctuation across the arrowhead front pins and tension-secured custom seven-barrel hairline hinges, these sunglasses set an incredible new standard for chic eyewear.
Rubinacci Marphy Tasselled Leather Loafers | Image: Rubinacci
Rubinacci Marphy Tasselled Leather Loafers
Price: AUD$1,192
If you're a man of any sartorial savvy, you've likely already read Man of Many's loafer guide and spied the hallowed tasselled loafer included within our list. We can think of no better representation of this utterly essential piece of footwear than that offered by Rubinacci, a brand that has been crafting outstanding clothing since 1932.
Leaning into the comfort side of the loafer's offering, this pair are designed to feel like you're sliding on a pair of slippers. Crafted as they are from buttery-soft suede, they envelop the foot like a second skin. With the elegant almond-toe profile, natty tassels, and tonal leather trims, they're an example of the tasselled loafer in its perfect form.
RIMOWA Signature Nylon Flap Backpack Large | Image: RIMOWA
RIMOWA Signature Nylon Flap Backpack Large
Price: AUD$2,120
Designed with sustainability and heritage in mind, this outstanding backpack is crafted from ECONYL® nylon, which somehow is both incredibly supple yet reliably water-repellent.
Boasting a leather bottom to ensure stability, a snap buckle and travel strap, two external hidden side zipped pockets for easy access, and an interior padded pocket for a laptop up to 16 inches, this backpack is stylish and sturdy.
All of this and the inclusion of two interior phone pockets and an additional secure zipped pouch inside make it the perfect travel companion, whether for on the commute or jet-setting around the world.
Montblanc Cabin with Front Pocket | Image: Montblanc
Montblanc Cabin With Front Pocket
Price: AUD$1,730
Champions of everything from pens to watches, Montblanc have also mastered the art of modern luggage. The luxury brand's cabin-size trolley makes up part of a larger series and blends form with function to superlative results. It's expertly forged from lightweight polycarbonate with premium leather trims, and that's just the exterior. Open this baby up to discover Jacquard fabric lining with a hexagonal motif, offering plush and organised storage for your travel essentials.
With dimensions of 38 x 55 x 23 cm, the Montblanc Cabin will fit in most overhead compartments. Sturdy on the outside and luxurious within, it features smooth-rolling wheels, an adjustable handle, and roomy pockets for smaller items. Logo detailing drives home its elegant allure and so too does the streamlined profile. Choose between a handful of unique colourways, including our personal favourite, Avio Blue. This is iconic travel gear that has first-class written all over it, no matter what section you're sitting in.
Sun Stream Evolve Infrared Saunas | Image: Sun Stream
Sun Stream Evolve Infrared Saunas
Price: AUD$3,995
Nothing says 'luxury' like your own personal sauna, and now you don't need a mansion to make it happen. Modern brand Sun Stream has entered the chat with their exemplary Evolve series, a range of infrared saunas that uses intelligent design and technology to deliver the ultimate home or office experience. Models like the Evolve Mini can fit into most apartments, making it a truly powerful performer of its respective domain. Meanwhile, ultra-low (and ultra-safe) Electromagnetic Field and Electric Field heaters pump infrared heat at 360 degrees for full-body coverage. Yes, please!
Eight Sleep Pod 5 Ultra | Image: Eight Sleep
Eight Sleep Pod 5 Ultra
Price: AUD$6,699
Eight Sleep has mastered the art of modern rest through its legendary Pod, the advanced mattress cover that automatically adjusts temperature based on environment and biometrics. The wellness brand has just released its latest evolution, better known as Pod 5 Ultra. Not only does it cool and heat on each side, but it offers health tracking, alarm modes, snoring mitigation, back pressure relief, and more. This is what we like to call a gift that keeps on giving. After all, is there anything better than a solid night's snooze?
Wolf Atlas 4 Piece Watch Winder Safe | Image: Wolf
Wolf Atlas 4 Piece Watch Winder Safe
Price: AUD$44,655
For the ultimate watch collector, the good folks at Wolf present the ultimate safe. Crafted from high-grade American steel and polished to a mirror finish, it keeps your valuables protected in immaculate fashion. Features include Bluetooth-app control, a patented cuff and drum design that can safely hold watches of all sizes, additional storage space, water resistance, fire resistance for up to 2 hours, and more.
Milos Chess Set Terracotta | Image: The Conran Shop
Milos Chess Set Terracotta
Price: GBP£350.00
You don't have to play chess to appreciate the impeccable design qualities of this wooden game set. Handcrafted in a minimalist style and presented in an earthy colour, it brings the game to life with resounding distinction. Each piece is geometrically transfixing in all the best ways, making the set a veritable decor-booster for any modern home. Sealing the deal is a smart wooden case.
Versace Barocco Bathrobe | Image: Versace
Versace Barocco Bathrobe
Price: AUD$900
Leave it to the House of Versace to create the bathrobe of your wildest dreams. Plush-terry cotton construction (with subtle touches of polyester and viscose) delivers supreme comfort while an Italian Barocco pattern drives home the luxurious vibe. Choose between the colours of grey and red and brace yourself for millionaire-style mornings.
Sun Stream Solace Ice Bath | Image: Sun Stream
Sun Stream Solace Ice Bath
Price: AUD$10,995
Ice baths have taken off as a source of muscle recovery, reduced inflammation, and mood enhancement, which isn't to mention the energy boost. Sun Stream leaps to the top of the heap with the mighty Solace, a premium entry that's purpose-built to perform in the comfort of your backyard. Installation is a breeze and no ice is required, as the bath uses an adjustable and ultra-quiet chiller to bring the temperature as low as 3°C. Take the plunge now and you can thank us later!
Common Projects Original Achilles Leather Sneakers | Image: MR PORTER
Common Projects Original Achilles Leather Sneakers
Price: AUD$451
Common Projects put themselves well ahead of the current minimalist trend when they debuted the Achilles leather sneaker nearly a decade ago. Originally designed by co-founders Peter Poopat and Flavio Girolami as the ultimate summer kick, this stylish footwear now comes in a variety of striking hues. Each pair is made in Italy from 80% leather, with cushy leather lining, rubber soles, and signature gold-stamped serial numbers.
Designed for summer perhaps, the Achilles is now a smart casual sneaker for every season. It uses premium materials, monochromatic silhouettes, and sparing details to render its streamlined statement. Conspicuously comfortable, the sneaker is also brilliantly versatile in that it combines with a slew of smart casual ensembles. Many imitators have emerged since this one debuted, but there can be only one original. Look for the gold-stamped serial numbers and accept nothing less.
Transparent Acoustic Sculpture Speaker | Image: Transparent
Transparent Acoustic Sculpture Speaker
Price: USD$4,200
Putting pretty much every other Bluetooth speaker to shame, this one from Transparent was hand-sculpted by company founder Per Brickstad. Look beyond the mineral acrylic construction and avant-garde design to discover superior performance specs, including built-in Class D amps and full-range drivers. Each speaker is built to order and synchronous with another of its kind so get two while you're at it, big spender!
Jaques Marie Mage Zepherin Sunglasses | Image: Jaques Marie Mage
Jaques Marie Mage Zepherin Sunglasses
Price: AUD$820
These hand-finished sunnies cull their name from a Roman-era pope and their measurements from pre-WWII sizing standards. Slim and sculptured, they combine top-shelf hardware with visual panache and subtle detail to render a one-of-a-kind fashion statement. Choose between a variety of colours and take to the world in stunning style.
Creed Aventus | Image: Creed
Creed Aventus
Price: AUD$539
Hailing from the House of Creed, Aventus fragrance delivers a bold and nuanced profile with an iconic bottle design to match. Fruity top notes of citrus and apple give way to a sensual heart of patchouli, jasmine, and pineapple, all of it riding over a woody and musky accord with sweet vanilla accents. This is the smell of success and an ideal gift for the modern gentleman.
Cartier Santos de Cartier Watch | Image: Cartier
Cartier Santos de Cartier Watch
Price: AUD$12,600
The Santos de Cartier wristwatch blazes a trail back to the early 1900s and carries forth a luxurious legacy. It comes forged from high-grade steel with exposed screws, a seven-sided crown, automatic-winding movement, and transfixing details on the sunray-brushed dial. Thanks to a QuickSwitch interchangeable system, the wearer can seamlessly alternate between a steel bracelet and a premium leather strap. If there was ever a timepiece guaranteed to turn the right heads, it's this one here. Get one for your favourite collector and prepare to make their year.
La Marzocco Linea Micra | Image: La Marzocco
La Marzocco Linea Micra
Price: AUD$5,999
Compact by design, La Marzocco's Linea Micra takes your morning routine to barista-like heights and boosts your decor in the process. Key features include a convertible portafilter, insulated steam wand, brew paddle, hot water spout, easy-fill reservoir, and magnetic drip tray. Don't start your day without one.
ECOVACS DEEBOT T30 Pro Omni | Image: ECOVACS
ECOVACS DEEBOT T30 Pro Omni
Price: from AUD$1,599
This sleek robot vacuum is a veritable time-and-space saver and a powerful—but quiet—one at that. Fully loaded with advanced sensors, smart features, strong suction, and self-operating technology, it can vacuum and mop across open floors and hard-to-reach spaces alike. Welcome to the good life.
Dior Large Embroidered Backgammon | Image: Dior
Dior Large Embroidered Backgammon
Price: from AUD$7,300
Made in France from high-quality materials, Dior's large backgammon set turns the two-player board game into an interactive work of art. From the embroidered patterns to the embossed leather details to the signature drawings to the distinctive playing pieces, this product delivers singular quality at every possible turn. It also pulls off the small miracle of making its epic price tag seem like a steal.
R.M. Williams Farrier Signature Briefcase | Image: R.M. Williams
R.M. Williams Farrier Signature Briefcase
Price: from AUD$599
Australia's own R.M. Williams are absolute masters of leather goods and we're not just talking footwear. That brings us to the Farrier Briefcase, which puts tumbled grainy leather over recycled (and water-resistant) cotton lining, and features plaited grab handles along with meticulous vintage details. Get it in the colour of black or whiskey and prepare to fall in love.
Dior Mini Safari Bag with Strap | Image: Dior
Dior Mini Safari Bag with Strap
Price: AUD$2,700
The latest addition to Dior's Winter 2023-24 collection, the Mini Safari Bag is the ultimate luxury accessory for the fashion-conscious creative. Crafted from beige and black Dior Oblique jacquard, the compact bag is robust enough to survive the elements but with a refined head-turning charm. Inside the main compartment, you'll find card slots and a patch pocket, alongside a zipped pocket in the front that allows for easy access to your everyday essentials.
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 McLaren Edition | Image: Bowers & Wilkins
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 McLaren Edition
Price: From AUD$1,330
There are two ways one can benefit from the extraordinary partnership between Bowers & Wilkins and McLaren Automotive. Either you can pick up a McLaren supercar that's been equipped with Bowers & Wilkins audio or you can grab these special edition Px8 wireless headphones with McLaren-inspired design elements. So…how deep is your wallet?
Apple Watch Hermès | Image: Apple
Apple Watch Hermès
Price: From AUD$1,899
Apple's iconic smartwatch gets a luxurious upgrade by way of a Hermes-style interface. Expect the same superlative tier of durability and performance but with an elevated and even slightly avant-garde aesthetic. What's there not to love?
Saint Laurent SL 462 SULPICE | Image: Saint Laurent
Saint Laurent SL 462 SULPICE
Price: AUD$660
These swanky sunnies combine 100% acetate frames in a butterfly design with prescription-compatible nylon lenses and Saint Laurent engraving at the temples. Each pair is made in Italy and dressed in the timeless colour of black to cultivate a cool and effortless style.
Tom Ford Pebble-Grain Leather Wash Bag | Image: MR PORTER
Tom Ford Pebble-Grain Leather Wash Bag
Price: AUD$1,377
This Italian-made wash bag might cost more than two car payments but we'll be damned if it's not worth every cent. Behold its smooth pebble-grain leather exterior and the printed Tom Ford emblem hanging just below the front pocket, amongst other fine details. Take it with you on various travel adventures or display it behind glass like some sort of museum piece—we'd understand either way.
Bunnahabhain 40-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky | Image: Bunnahabhain
Bunnahabhain 40-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Price: from AU$3,199
This rare single malt was sitting so long inside Bunnahabhain's Islay-based warehouse that the whisky maker didn't even know it was there. Their blending team chanced upon it and now it's yours to likewise discover (should you have the means). From four decades of aging comes a spirit of exceptional character, which opens on a nose of tropical fruit and creamy toffee before rolling over the palate in waves of sweet malt, rich caramel, toasted nuts, and silky berries. A long and sweet finish goes straight to your toes and back, giving you a literal taste of the good life. Oh, who are we kidding–anyone who buys this limited release will probably keep it sealed as an investment and we don't blame them!
LG Styler Steam Clothing Care System | Image: LG
LG Styler Steam Clothing Care System
Price: from AU$2,499
LG's sophisticated Styler is like having your own personal dry cleaner, minus everything you hate about the dry cleaner. Flaunting a compact and modern design, it uses steam-based technology to give your clothes a daily refresh, keeping them free of odours, allergens, and wrinkles between washes.
OUD Satin Mood Eau de Parfum | Image: Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Maison Francis Kurkdjian OUD Satin Mood
Price: from AU$236
For a prime whiff of the finer things in life, smell no further than this acclaimed eau de parfum from the French house of Maison Francis Kurkdjian. Notes of flower, natural oud, and sweet benzoin oil unfold over a warm accord of amber and vanilla to conjure an exotic essence.
Dior Beige and Black Dior Oblique Jacquard Wallet | Image: Dior
Dior Beige and Black Dior Oblique Jacquard Wallet
Price: from AU$1,200
When it comes to high-end luxury, it's hard to go past Dior. The fashion icon has served up incredible pieces for decades, so it's little surprise the brand made its way onto our list of luxury gift ideas. Our recommendation for this year is the Beige and Black Dior Oblique Jacquard Wallet, which arrives complete with a ruthenium-finish brass Dior signature on the front. Inside, you'll find a double bill holder, two flat compartments and eight card slots.
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Things to Consider for Luxury Gifts
When it comes to luxury gift ideas, simply wrapping a bow on a new Rolex isn't quite enough (although we'd all love that). In fact, if you want to get the special occasion right, there are a few things you need to consider:
Price : Perhaps the most obvious consideration, the price will inevitably play a factor in your purchasing decision. While you may want to splash out for a significant birthday or gifting event, more often than not, you'll be aiming around the $50-$100 mark for most gifts. In the luxury world, however, gifts don't exactly come cheap. To get the most out of your gift idea, don't be afraid to shop around for the best price.
: Perhaps the most obvious consideration, the price will inevitably play a factor in your purchasing decision. While you may want to splash out for a significant birthday or gifting event, more often than not, you'll be aiming around the $50-$100 mark for most gifts. In the luxury world, however, gifts don't exactly come cheap. To get the most out of your gift idea, don't be afraid to shop around for the best price. Brands: Luxury lovers are notoriously brand loyal, so before you set off and buy your special someone a new accessory, make sure it fits their aesthetic. Buy a Dior man a Fendi keychain and he may never speak to you again.
Alternatives to Luxury Gifts
If you are looking for something a little more specific, we've got you covered. Outside of just luxury gift ideas, we've collated our favourite releases across several different categories. So, no matter what that special someone in your life is keen on, you'll find it here.
How Man of Many Chose the Best Luxury Gift Ideas
With more than 10 years of experience testing, reviewing and reporting on the best luxury goods in the business, Man of Many's editors are sticklers for research and certainly know a thing or two about high-end brands. This list of gift ideas was curated through the personal experience of experts, alongside extensive online research from luxury stores and retailers. Each product on this list was checked by the Man of Many staff prior to publication for the official tick of approval. You can review our editorial policy here surrounding how we maintain our independence in our editorial reviews.
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Sydney Morning Herald
8 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Straight white male writers are out there and thriving
I am a white male who reads. Most of my friends, male and female, are also avid readers. I find Jacqueline Maley's piece perplexing (' Why will no one publish the novels of straight white men?' August 10). Browsing my local bookstores, I find plenty of terrific modern (straight) white male writers – Chris Hammer and Mick Herron are two very different writers who spring to mind. There are many others too. Writing has never been an exercise in homogeneity. Certainly, the female voice has been stymied, but like so many things in our rapidly evolving society, writing seeks to accommodate new interests, tastes and views on the world. Reading has never been a universal pursuit, but with higher levels of literacy came higher levels of reading. The technological diversions of our world have more to do with declining levels of reading among males, but I think this affects young women too. Perhaps we are experiencing an ebb in the flow of those writing and reading novels; I'm not convinced. The stage is certainly bigger, the cast more diverse. Rather than make generalisations about straight white male writers, Maley could look from the other end of the microscope and see the expanding world of good writing, including from straight white males. Wayne Duncombe, Lilyfield I have long thought that literary prizes should be entered anonymously, ie, the author is not identified by name, gender or sexual orientation. Until this happens there will always be bias, depending on the make-up of the judging panel and the current climate of political correctness. You only have to look at the Demidenko farce. Anonymity would find out whether novels by straight white men are, in fact, any good. Jane Howland, Cammeray Heaven forbid that women and men of colour should get five minutes' attention as novelists, white men having had the stage for a couple of centuries. As the saying goes, when you are accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression. This might be a good time to remember that the first-ever novel is attributed to Murasaki Shikibu, a Japanese woman writing in the 11th century. Perhaps straight white men could try the strategy long employed by women writers and adopt a pen name. Mary Ann Evans, perhaps? Chris McGregor, Cabarita Jacqueline Maley might be interested but not surprised to learn that when my husband, Graham, was researching Charmian Clift for his PhD many years ago in our national library, all her files were stored under the name of her husband, George Johnston. I wonder, given the present interest in Charmian, if he is now relegated to second place in her files? Nola Tucker, Kiama Soft drug lunacy Catching serious criminals is hard (' Low-level drug users still being charged ', August 10), busting careless potheads or occasional party drug users is easy (it should be called Operation Fish in a Barrel). However, it makes the police feel useful if not actually effective, and it fulfills weekly quotas real or imagined. This is especially silly for a substance that is now medically sanctioned for tens of thousands of Australians. Julian Wood, Marrickville Reef hope lost Having just completed a holiday at Exmouth to visit Ningaloo, I can reiterate the heartbreaking destruction of the reef from the recent unprecedented bleaching event (' Race to save Ningaloo', August 10). What is even more heartbreaking is the continued expansion in WA of our fossil fuel export industry. The federal government is being dishonest by saying it is serious about addressing climate change while approving climate bombs all over the country. Also strange is the denial of many of the locals of the relationship between climate change and what is happening to the source of their livelihood. There are hardly any solar panels in an environment of unrelenting sunshine, with diesel generation supplying electricity and widespread support of the gas industry (Santos sponsors many businesses). Moreover, there are plans to dredge Exmouth gulf to open an industrial port. I fear there is little hope for Ningaloo and this unique world heritage area. Peter Gibson, Wentworthville Rain on parade I have observed two major Sydney events over the past two Sundays, and they compare and contrast significantly (' Winners and grinners cross the City2Surf finish line ', August 10). Similar rainy Sunday attendances of about 90,000 people. Similar levels of intended decency, ie humanity and charity. Both perfectly peaceful. The differences: The City to Surf's 14 kilometres of traffic interruption over more than six hours was, quite rightly, lauded by all. Last Sunday's bridge march, a couple of kilometres taking five hours, decried by many, including our premier. 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At last there is a designated after-hours venue where it really is okay to study, to collaborate until the wee hours, and to have the freedom to be with your mates and comrades outside the home. Congratulations to the students who are making good use of these facilities. Hopefully other venues will give this a go as well. It's a great solution for all sorts of problems faced by students who want to study. Mia David, Wollongong Learning shared Parnell Palme McGuinness is dead right when she says 'caring is intrinsically valuable whether it is delivered in the home or outside of it' (' The end of men? Let's end all that', August 10). In my case, as an 87-year-old, my beloved wife supported me for seven years while I studied for my honours arts degree part-time, so it was only fair that she should have the opportunity to study nursing, which she did. 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Sydney Morning Herald
a day ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Feel like crying at work? In Japan, they can help with that
This story is part of the August 16 edition of Good Weekend. See all 14 stories. The young Japanese guys look as if they've stepped out of an anime and into the conference rooms of office buildings across Tokyo. They're extremely handsome, impeccably dressed with slightly tousled hair, and have soft, kind eyes. Those eyes will soon be spilling tears as they encourage the group of assembled office workers in the room, all of whom are women, to do the same. Some of them play melancholy songs on musical instruments. Some read stories featuring sympathetic characters who are set on a path towards a sad ending. Others show weepy films that are designed to tug at the heart-strings, such as the one about a father trying to visit his young daughter, who has been rushed to hospital in an emergency, but she dies before he can get there. Soon enough, everyone in the room is sniffling, prompted by the young man, the meeting's convener, who has himself turned on the waterworks. He then approaches each of them and gently wipes away their tears with a handkerchief, soothing them and reassuring them that it's OK to cry. The above scenario isn't a scene from the latest Studio Ghibli animated movie, but a real-life situation. A company called Ikemeso Danshi – which translates as 'handsome weeping boys' – provides this service for 7900 yen ($82) per session. 'In Japan, showing too much emotion can lead to poor relationships with others,' the company's founder, Hiroki Terai, tells me via email. 'Everyone lives by their public image. People who cry are seen as weak.' Terai wanted to change that. He got his start running 'divorce ceremonies', which involved estranged couples smashing their wedding rings. He found that they'd often both cry together and would say later that they'd found the experience therapeutic. He transferred this idea to the workplace, where people traditionally bottle up their feelings. 'There's definitely a reason for a service like this,' says anthropology lecturer Dr Shiori Shakuto at The University of Sydney. 'I think it shows that women are more prominent in the workplace now in Japan and that people are wanting to become more open, bringing out something that used to be kept for the private domain and making it public.' Loading Shakuto points out that the advertising around Ikemeso Danshi describes it as a healing service and that 'traditionally, such services have been given by women to men, and they're often sexualised, whereas with this service, it's the women who are feeling healed because they can look at good-looking men who are showing their vulnerability by crying'. Ikemeso Danshi, and its army of about 20 crying conveners bearing hankies, has been teasing tears out of Tokyo's workers since 2015. Shakuto says the idea is taking hold at the same time as certain changes in Japanese society are taking place. 'For the longest time, work was central to life and identity,' she says, 'but I think that's definitely shifting and there's greater work-life balance, especially since COVID.' As for whether this could work anywhere else, such as Australia, Shakuto is doubtful the business model would translate. 'There's definitely something in the idea that opening up to your colleagues more is good for the work culture, but would crying together work here? I'm not so sure.'

The Age
a day ago
- The Age
Feel like crying at work? In Japan, they can help with that
This story is part of the August 16 edition of Good Weekend. See all 14 stories. The young Japanese guys look as if they've stepped out of an anime and into the conference rooms of office buildings across Tokyo. They're extremely handsome, impeccably dressed with slightly tousled hair, and have soft, kind eyes. Those eyes will soon be spilling tears as they encourage the group of assembled office workers in the room, all of whom are women, to do the same. Some of them play melancholy songs on musical instruments. Some read stories featuring sympathetic characters who are set on a path towards a sad ending. Others show weepy films that are designed to tug at the heart-strings, such as the one about a father trying to visit his young daughter, who has been rushed to hospital in an emergency, but she dies before he can get there. Soon enough, everyone in the room is sniffling, prompted by the young man, the meeting's convener, who has himself turned on the waterworks. He then approaches each of them and gently wipes away their tears with a handkerchief, soothing them and reassuring them that it's OK to cry. The above scenario isn't a scene from the latest Studio Ghibli animated movie, but a real-life situation. A company called Ikemeso Danshi – which translates as 'handsome weeping boys' – provides this service for 7900 yen ($82) per session. 'In Japan, showing too much emotion can lead to poor relationships with others,' the company's founder, Hiroki Terai, tells me via email. 'Everyone lives by their public image. People who cry are seen as weak.' Terai wanted to change that. He got his start running 'divorce ceremonies', which involved estranged couples smashing their wedding rings. He found that they'd often both cry together and would say later that they'd found the experience therapeutic. He transferred this idea to the workplace, where people traditionally bottle up their feelings. 'There's definitely a reason for a service like this,' says anthropology lecturer Dr Shiori Shakuto at The University of Sydney. 'I think it shows that women are more prominent in the workplace now in Japan and that people are wanting to become more open, bringing out something that used to be kept for the private domain and making it public.' Loading Shakuto points out that the advertising around Ikemeso Danshi describes it as a healing service and that 'traditionally, such services have been given by women to men, and they're often sexualised, whereas with this service, it's the women who are feeling healed because they can look at good-looking men who are showing their vulnerability by crying'. Ikemeso Danshi, and its army of about 20 crying conveners bearing hankies, has been teasing tears out of Tokyo's workers since 2015. Shakuto says the idea is taking hold at the same time as certain changes in Japanese society are taking place. 'For the longest time, work was central to life and identity,' she says, 'but I think that's definitely shifting and there's greater work-life balance, especially since COVID.' As for whether this could work anywhere else, such as Australia, Shakuto is doubtful the business model would translate. 'There's definitely something in the idea that opening up to your colleagues more is good for the work culture, but would crying together work here? I'm not so sure.'