イクメン
いくめん
noun
hands-on father; dad who is active in childcare
1.
hands-on father; dad active in childcare
A father who is actively involved in raising his children, doing tasks traditionally associated with mothers in Japan.
彼はイクメンで、毎日保育園の送り迎えをしている。
He's a hands-on dad who takes his kid to and from daycare every day.
イクメンが増えてきたと言われている。
It's said that hands-on dads are increasing.
イクメンを目指して育児休暇を取った。
I took parental leave, aiming to be a hands-on dad.
ETYMOLOGY:
育 (from 育児 - childcare) + メン (from イケメン - handsome guy).
The term combines the concept of childcare with the trendy "メン" suffix.
ORIGIN:
Popularized in the late 2000s as part of government campaigns to encourage fathers to participate more in childcare. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare launched the "イクメンプロジェクト" in 2010.
CULTURAL CONTEXT:
In traditional Japanese society, childcare was primarily the mother's responsibility. The イクメン movement encourages fathers to take a more active role. The term reflects changing gender roles in Japan, though some criticize it for making basic parenting seem exceptional.
RELATED TERMS:
- 育児休暇 / 育休 - parental leave
- イクボス - boss who supports work-life balance for employees with children
- ワンオペ育児 - solo parenting (often contrasted with イクメン)
- 専業主夫 - stay-at-home dad
Related Words
Related:
育児 (childcare)