noun
hands-on dad; father who actively participates in child-rearing
Colloquial term coined as a pun on 育児 (child-rearing) and イケメン (handsome man). Describes a father who takes an active, enthusiastic role in raising his children, often challenging traditional gender roles.
最近はイクメンが増えて、育児休暇を取る男性も多くなった。
Recently, hands-on dads have increased, and more men are taking paternity leave.
彼は毎日お弁当を作るイクメンだ。
He's a hands-on dad who makes lunch boxes every day.
育児 is the general term for 'child-rearing'. イクメン specifically refers to a father who does it actively.
Coined in the 2000s as a blend of 育児 (child-rearing) and イケメン (handsome man). The exact origin is uncertain, but it gained popularity through media and government campaigns promoting active fatherhood.