What is the Joshiryoku Danshi Phenomenon and Its Popularity

Men eating a meal (Image by Freepik)

Japan, a country with a unique and complex culture, has always given birth to social phenomena that attract the world's attention. One such phenomenon that is quite interesting to discuss is "Joshiryoku Danshi" (女子力男子), which literally translates as "men with female-like abilities". The term refers to men who possess traits, interests, and hobbies that are traditionally associated with women in Japan.

This phenomenon is not new, but it has been gaining more attention recently, especially in social media and popular culture. Social changes in Japan, where gender roles are loosening, are opening up space for men to express themselves more freely. No longer confined by rigid expectations of traditional masculinity, they are finding comfort and fulfillment in activities that were previously considered "feminine".

Definition of Joshiryoku Danshi 

What exactly is a Joshiryoku Danshi? Unlike the stereotypical macho man who is stiff and lacking in expressiveness, Joshiryoku Danshi have characteristics that women tend to associate with them, such as: good cooking skills, a knack for self-care (skincare, dressing well), attention to detail, empathetic communication skills, and a love for things that are considered "feminine," such as fashion, beauty, and creative activities like crafts. They are not afraid to show their soft and caring side, and often have a great sense of aesthetics.

However, it is important to distinguish Joshiryoku Danshi from men who are "weak" or "unmasculine" by traditional standards. Joshiryoku Danshi doesn't mean they lose their masculine traits completely. Instead, they combine masculine and feminine traits in a balanced way, creating an interesting and unique image. They can be strong and responsible, but also caring and understanding. They are able to handle practical matters, but also have a sensitive and empathetic side. It is this balance that is their main attraction.

In Japan, more and more men have high female power. This is most likely due to the influence of modern society, which has made lifestyles and concepts of individuals freer. Things that were once thought to be reserved for women, such as makeup, skincare, and cooking, are now also becoming commonplace for men.

Characteristics of Joshiryoku Danshi

Illustration of a man and his cooking

So, what falls under the category of Joshiryoku Danshi? There are no rigid boundaries, but some of the characteristics often associated with them include:

Maintain body shape: Joshiryoku Danshi are concerned about their appearance from body shape to dress. In most cases, they are slender but some men train their bodies well to be sturdy and manly. There are many masculine Joshiryoku Danshi that are popular with women.

Interest in Beauty and Fashion: Joshiryoku Danshi are often interested in skincare, makeup, fashion, and accessories. They may have an extensive skincare collection, be adept at applying makeup, or have a great sense of fashion. This is not just about following trends, but reflects their concern for appearance and self-expression. They are not afraid to experiment with styles and colors, and may even have a unique and bold style. 

Joshiryoku Danshi perform skincare such as lotions and serums just like women. In addition, they usually also remove unwanted hair and dander such as beards and armpit hair. Joshiryoku Danshi are familiar with trends, so such men can get along well with women who are also trend-conscious.

Cooking and Home Decorating Craze: Cooking and home organization are considered "feminine" activities in Japan, but many Joshiryoku Danshi enjoy these activities. They may master various recipes, love experimenting with new ingredients, and enjoy the process of creating beautiful and delicious dishes. 

There are many Joshiryoku Danshi who are good at cooking. Even men who live alone sometimes cook elaborate dishes at home. In addition, they are very picky about eating foods that are as good for their bodies as possible, and tend to avoid junk food when eating out. Similarly, when it comes to arranging their homes, they may pay attention to the details of the decor, creating a cozy and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere.

Handicraft Skills: Activities such as knitting, embroidery, making handicrafts from paper or fabric, are often associated with women. However, many Joshiryoku Danshi are also skilled in these areas. They find satisfaction in creating something with their own hands, and their work often shows great detail and precision.

Gentle and Considerate Personality: Joshiryoku Danshi often have a gentle, caring and empathetic personality. They are able to communicate well, are sensitive to the feelings of others, and are able to create harmonious relationships. This does not mean they are weak, but rather demonstrates their ability to show emotion and empathy without feeling the need to hide it.

Interest in "Feminized" Popular Culture: They may be interested in anime, manga, drama or music that is often associated with a female audience. This doesn't mean they reject popular culture that is dominant among men, but it shows that they have broad tastes and are not constrained by gender. They can talk to girls like trends and beauty so it is popular among women.

However, it is important to distinguish between Joshiryoku Danshi and the stereotype of a "weak" or "spoiled" man. Joshiryoku Danshi choose to express themselves according to their personality, without feeling the need to conform to a narrow and rigid image of masculinity. They are able to balance their masculine and feminine sides, creating a unique and authentic identity.

Factors Affecting Joshiryoku Danshi 

So, what drives this phenomenon? Some of the factors at play include:

Changing Gender Roles in Japan: Gender roles in Japan are slowly changing. Women are increasingly active in the workforce and politics, while men are given more space to explore other sides of their personality.

Social Media Influence: Social media provides a platform for Joshiryoku Danshi to share their interests and hobbies, create community and support each other. They no longer feel alone, and find acceptance from people who share their interests.

Increased Self-Awareness: The younger generation in Japan is increasingly aware of the importance of self-expression and self-acceptance. They no longer feel pressured to conform to rigid social standards, but are more willing to be themselves.

Decreased Social Pressure (Slowly): While there are still stigmas associated with traditional masculinity, the social pressure to conform to such standards is decreasing. Younger generations are more tolerant of differences, and value individual uniqueness more.

However, this phenomenon is not always well received by everyone. Some people still hold on to traditional views of masculinity, and consider Joshiryoku Danshi as "abnormal". This stigma is still a challenge for Joshiryoku Danshi to fully express themselves.

The popularity of Joshiryoku Danshi among women

So, why is Joshiryoku Danshi so popular among women? Several key factors contribute to this phenomenon:

Need for Emotional Openness: Modern women often value honesty and emotional openness in relationships. Joshiryoku Danshi, with their ability to express emotions more easily, fulfill this need. They are not afraid to share their feelings, which creates a deeper and more honest bond in the relationship. In a society that often emphasizes hard masculinity and suppression of emotions, this trait is very refreshing and attractive.

Ability to Share Household Responsibilities: In a social context where women also have careers and professional ambitions, finding a partner who is willing to share household responsibilities is very important. Joshiryoku Danshi, with the ability to cook, clean, and maintain the house, is an ideal partner who lightens the burden of household chores. This is not just about sharing tasks, but also showing mutual respect and cooperation in the relationship. They do not see housework as a burden, but as part of a joint effort in building a harmonious home life.

Attention to Detail and Aesthetics: Joshiryoku Danshi's sensitivity to detail and aesthetics makes them more attentive to their partner's needs. They may be more meticulous in choosing gifts, pay attention to their partner's appearance, and create a cozy and beautiful atmosphere at home. These little things show deep care and attention, something that many women appreciate.

Warmth and Gentleness: Joshiryoku Danshi's warm and gentle nature creates a safe and comfortable environment in relationships. They tend to be more patient, understanding, and able to communicate with empathy. In relationships that are sometimes characterized by stress and conflict, these traits become an important counterbalance and create a harmonious atmosphere.

Shifting Gender Norms: The popularity of Joshiryoku Danshi also reflects the shifting gender norms in society. Rigid definitions of masculinity and femininity are eroding, and women are now looking for more balanced and inclusive partners, not just men who fit traditional stereotypes. This shows that women increasingly value the whole person, regardless of rigid gender identities.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, Joshiryoku Danshi is a phenomenon that reflects social and cultural changes in Japan. They show that masculinity does not have to be narrowly and rigidly defined, and that men also have the right to explore their sensitive and aesthetic side without shame or fear of judgment. This phenomenon is still evolving, and it will be interesting to see how it affects Japanese culture in the future. Perhaps, Joshiryoku Danshi paved the way for a more inclusive and diverse definition of masculinity, where men can be themselves without having to compromise their values and personality. They show that true strength lies in the ability to fully accept oneself, regardless of gender stereotypes. Joshiryoku Danshi is a reflection of the changing times, a sign that the traditional definition of masculinity is slowly but surely crumbling and being replaced by something more flexible and humanistic.

The popularity of Joshiryoku Danshi among women reflects a significant social change. Women are looking for partners who are not only strong and responsible, but also empathetic, caring, and able to share household responsibilities. Joshiryoku Danshi represents a more balanced and harmonious relationship model, where masculine and feminine traits are valued and well integrated. Despite challenges and criticisms, this phenomenon shows an interesting evolution in the definition of masculinity and expectations in interpersonal relationships in the modern era. This trend also shows that women are increasingly emboldened to seek partners that match their values and needs, regardless of traditional norms. Joshiryoku Danshi is not just a trend, but a manifestation of broader and deeper social change. It indicates a shift towards more egalitarian and respectful relationships, where differences are celebrated rather than used as a source of conflict or a determinant of one's worth.