Ikemen - the cult of male beauty in Asia
"Ikemen" is not just a style, but a cult of male beauty that has taken over Japan. Find out how Japanese men become ideal, what is behind their well-groomed appearance, and why they are so popular not only in their country, but all over the world!
Japan is a country with centuries-old traditions, where a person's appearance plays one of the key roles in society. Unlike Russia, where the emphasis in the beauty industry is primarily on women, in Japan special attention is paid to male beauty. Here, male style has become a real cult, and in recent decades, special attention has been paid to a new standard - ikemen. This concept, denoting a "handsome man", has become an integral part of Japanese pop culture. But what is hidden behind this term, and why is it so important for modern Japan?
Ikemen (イケメン) translates as “handsome guy” and is used only for men. This new word appeared in the early 2000s and quickly spread thanks to the media and show business. It comes from two Japanese words: “ikeru” — meaning “handsome” or “cool” and “menzu” — “face”. So, an ikemen is a man with a beautiful face, but also well-groomed and stylish. Appearance is of great importance for an ikemen, but that’s not all. Such men embody intelligence, charm, and confidence.
The popularity of "ikemen" is directly related to the changing perception of masculinity in Japan. In the 80s and 90s, the ideal of male beauty was a "strong man", reflecting traditional stereotypes of masculinity. But in the early 2000s, this image was replaced by a softer and more refined one. The influence of Western trends, as well as the success of pop groups and doramas (Japanese series), led to men paying more attention to their appearance.
Ikemen has become a central image in the Japanese entertainment industry. Many actors, singers, and models represent this type. Famous representatives of ikemen include stars such as Takahiro Nishijima (AAA), Tomohisa Yamashita (singer and actor), and Jun Matsumoto (Arashi). Their popularity is largely due to their ability to maintain a perfect image on screen and in real life. The male beauty industry in Japan is rapidly growing, offering more and more facial and body care products specifically designed for men.
Ikemen is not just a man who takes care of himself. It is a way of life that includes several important aspects:
If you look into specialized cosmetics stores in Japan, you can find many products designed specifically for men. For example:
Also popular are body care products, such as special sponges for depilation or even ear cleaning devices - all of which help the ikemen look perfect.
Nowadays, the cult of ikemen is not limited to Japan. The influence of K-pop culture and Western fashion has led to the image of a well-groomed and fashionable man becoming the norm all over the world. In Japan, this trend is supported by the beauty industry, media and social standards. Japanese men are increasingly choosing self-care and fashionable looks to express their individuality and gain confidence.
What do you think about the culture of grooming among men? Do you think that such beauty standards should be spread to other countries?