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The girl I want is so handsome!
"Ikemen Joshi" (JP) is a term for a grown female character who possesses traits typically considered attractive in cool men, including handsome facial features, a cool masculine demeanor, simple clean fashion, and a moderately muscular toned body, while also having the appearance of a beautiful woman and having a feminine charm that makes them popular with both men and women. They have both masculine strength to be independent and unafraid to speak their mind and feminine tenderness, having the personality of a kind, reliable, and helpful older sister who treats everyone equally. In relationships, they often play the role of the prince, taking the lead and always supporting their lover.
Etymology
Meaning of the Term
Ikemen Sugidesu Shiki Senpai
Ikemen joshi (イケメン女子), is a combination of "ikemen", meaning a "a cool, handsome, and stylish man", and "joshi", (女子) meaning "girl/woman".[5]
Ikemen joshi have been described in official media as "cool", "princely", "confident", "endearing (inspiring love and affection)", and "incredibly handsome" females.[1][2][6][7]
Origin
The exact origin of this type is unknown, but the term's use dates to at least 2011 on Japanese social media.[5] The use of the term in official manga series appears to have started in 2018, with the term becoming a lot more prevalent as a character archetype since then.
The first known series to use the term was the 2018 yuri manga series Ikemen Sugidesu Shiki Senpai! (JP), or as it was known in the English release, The Girl I Want is so Handsome!. The story follows Hinami Ayukawa, a first-year high school student, who runs into her senior Shiki Hiiragi, a gorgeous cool older girl with mad basketball skills, on the first day of school causing her to fall in love at first sight. After being too nervous to confess her love, Hinami gets talked into becoming the manager of the girls' basketball team, where Shiki's awe-inspiring playstyle only leaves Hinami in greater infatuation. Hinami must juggle the responsibilities of managing the girls' basketball team, all while trying to grow closer to the one who stole her heart.[8][7]
Alternate Name
Ikemen joshi is also sometimes known as ikemen girl (JP), or ikemen kanojo (JP) or ikemen bishoujo (JP).[2][3][4]
Localization
The archetype is usually translated into English as "handsome girl" or "handsome woman" (depending on the age of the character), "cool girl", or sometimes even "heartthrob girl".[2][9][10][11]
History
Early Inspirations
Haruka Tenou making Usagi Tsukino blush from Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Crystal
Although the term "ikemen joshi" did not exist at the time, the character of Haruka Tenou from the 1994 manga series Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon is widely considered to be one of the original ikemen joshi. She was a character who embodied the charms of both a man and a woman and was stated to possess the strengths of both genders. She defied traditional gender norms by wearing both men's clothing, as well as beautiful feminine dresses.[10]
Official Media
The ikemen joshi archetype is very popular in manga and has been used officially in many romance series since 2018.[12]
Miyako Shikimori from Miss Shikimori Is Not Just Cute
Arguably the most popular series to feature ikemen joshi is the 2019 romance manga series Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie (JP) which follows the titular character Miyako Shikimori and her romance with Yuuki Izumi. Shikimori was described as the "ultimate heartthrob girlfriend" who is overflowing with both "cuteness" and "coolness". She has a beautiful smile, a kind personality and always seems happy when she's with Izumi. She's a pretty, cute, and loving girlfriend, but when Izumi's in trouble... she transforms into a "super cool heartthrob girlfriend".[11] Izumi is a naturally unlucky person who is always getting into accidents which causes Shikimori to have to step up and always take care of him. From catching him when he's about to fall, giving him emotional support, or even using her martial arts background to kick falling objects away when they're about to hit Izumi, she has an incredibly cool personality. She is also the one always making romantic advances in a very princely fashion which causes Izumi to blush, and although she initially tries to make herself look more girly because she wants Izumi to call her "cute", she can't help but bring out her cool side whenever she's with Izumi which he finds so attractive. The series also prominently featured another ikemen joshi named Kamiya, who was a cool and beautiful girl that made girls and boys alike blush whenever she walked by. Alongside Shikimori, the two of them were both idolized at school and looked up to by the other students. They also both excelled at sports such as basketball and volleyball, even besting guys with ease.[3]
The 2019 yuri romance manga series Ikemen Girl to Hakoiri Musume (JP) follows a naive girl named Satomi Ooguma who fell in love at first sight with Mizuki Kanda, a handsome "man" she met in the same class at university. Satomi asks Kanda to work at her cross-dressing school cafe and cross-dress as a girl because she thinks "he" would look pretty in girl's clothing. Although confused about how she would "cosplay as a girl" when she already was one, Kanda agreed if Satomi would go out with her. The story then follows Kanda as she tries to confess to Satomi that she's really a girl without ruining her chances of being with her.[2]
The 2019 romance manga series Ikemen Kanojo to Heroine na Ore!? (JP) follows Haruma Ichinose who has always been a very popular pretty boy blessed with charming looks that have attracted most of the girls' attention toward him. However, this attention is taken away by Yuki Mogami, a tall girl in his class. Despite being female, Yuki holds princely characteristics—she's endearing, cool, and incredibly handsome—leading Haruma to instantly fall in love with her. The story follows Haruma's struggles to accept that he's attracted to a girl who is more charming and handsome than he is, and the fact that every time he looks at her he turns into a typical shoujo manga heroine while Yuki ends up playing the hero.[6]
One of the more popular series to use this archetype was the 2021 role-reversal romance manga series Ikemen Joshi and Josou Danshi (JP), about a cool princely woman named Hazuki Rindou and a cute girly man named Iori Akizakura. The story follows Iori's struggles with thinking he's not man enough to take care of Rindou, as she is always the one who takes the lead or carries him like a princess. Despite his insecurities, Rindou likes him just the way he is and even encourages him to continue wearing women's clothing. She even loses her normally cool composure and becomes incredibly flustered and girly when he works up the courage to ask her out on a proper date.[1][9]
The 2022 romance manga series Ikemen dansou cosplayer ni Koi shiteru!! (JP) follows the romance of girl named Makoto Ichinose who cosplays as a handsome ikemen.[13]
Characteristics
Ikemen joshi are women who possess traits typically associated with "ikemen", a good-looking, cool, and attractive man. An ikemen joshi is a woman who embodies characteristics such as handsome features, a stylish appearance, tall height, confidence, and charm while still identifying as a female and having a feminine charm. This term is often used affectionately to describe women who defy traditional gender norms and exhibit qualities typically attributed to attractive men.[14]
The nuances of the word give the image of a "cool woman", but it's not just about looking masculine and cool.[9]
Appearance
One of the main characteristics of ikemen joshi is that even though they have a "masculine face", they still feel the element of being a beautiful woman. They are characterized by a face that has a masculine coolness but also a feminine side.[10][9][15][16][17]
Hiodoshi Ao with a typical ikemen joshi fashion from Hololive
Appearance traits of an ikemen joshi include:
- Sharp Face: They have intelligent and sharp facial features, such as a long face, a slender nose bridge, a wide forehead, and piercing eyes. Men tend to have longer facial contours, while women usually have more round faces giving them a softer impression. Ikemen joshi are closer to masculine looks, so they have a longer face, which gives a sharp and mature impression. It also gives the impression that they are more of a "beautiful woman" than "cute". They are also characterized by their beautiful and smooth skin which makes them feel feminine.
- Toned Body: They are disciplined, determined, and self-controlled, and do not compromise on their health and physical condition. They exercise daily and pay attention to the nutritional balance of their diet, so they have a toned body with moderate muscles.
- Simple and Fashionable: Their hairstyles, makeup, and fashion are simple yet fashionable. Ikemen joshi are characterized by the fact that their hairstyles, makeup, and fashion are not elaborate.
- Hairstyle: They enjoy fashion according to their mood. They may have a boyish haircut, such as short hair or unkempt bangs, and tend to avoid hairstyles that take a long time to set. Their hair is usually a natural color such as black or brown, but depending on their mood it may be a unique hair color.
- Makeup: They usually wear natural makeup with a sense of cleanliness. They will avoid wearing flashy or glamorous makeup with bright colors that can make them look girly. However, at the same time, they may sometimes enjoy fashion with eye makeup and lipsticks that have a strong presence according to the time, place, or occasion, such as for a special event.
- Fashion: They prefer fashion items that are not affected by trends, such as simple designs and monotone colors, and emphasize comfort and functionality. They also don't dress in a way so they can be talked about by men, but rather they dress how they want to dress. Boyish fashion looks very good on ikemen joshi and they usually like it, often preferring to wear pants over skirts. However, many still prefer to wear skirts. While a skirt might seem more feminine, it can be given a boyish vibe by wearing a jacket with it or keeping the design simple, making it a handsome girl's fashion without erasing the femininity too much. Their clothes are also just the right size and rather than fluffy and loose clothes, it's neat. They also tend to use a lot of black and monotone calm colors. In addition, they are also characterized by sometimes wearing special accessories and other items to give a sense of individuality.
Personality
Ikemen joshi are very cool and charming people, attracting affection from both men and women alike. They also tend to be the one taking the lead—whether they are dating a man or a woman—and take care of their lover. They will often play the role of the prince, such as carrying their lover if they can't walk or picking things out of their hair or off their face. Their imposing appearance sometimes makes the boys around them look feminine; However, they still embrace their more girly side, which tends to show through whenever they become flustered by their lover or become closer to them.
They are not only cool but also have both masculine and feminine charm. They have both masculine strength and feminine tenderness and are not bound by the traditional designations of "masculine" and "feminine". Ikemen joshi have a handsome side, so of course they also contain masculine elements. A dependable figure like a man, and a reliable and soft atmosphere like a girl. An ikemen joshi has both.[10][15][18]
Mizuki Kanda from Ikemen Girl to Hakoiri Musume
Personality traits of an ikemen joshi include:
- Self-Respecting: One of the attractions of ikemen joshi is that they are hardworking and have a positive personality. Many men have a strong sense of justice and are relied on by those around them, so they have a good impression that they can respect their inner selves, which is something ikemen joshi try to embrace. They set "standards" and "goals" for themselves and act accordingly to achieve them.
- Strong: They don't show weakness. In fact, on the contrary, they are the ones who want to protect their lover. Because they don't want to show their weakness to others, they tend to end up trying too hard alone.
- Cuteness Gap: One of the key elements to an ikemen joshi are the gaps that sometimes show in their personality. Although they have an androgynous appearance and a masculine side, they are still a girl. Since there is an image of "handsomeness" daily, the feminine side that they occasionally show can cause strong feelings of affection in others. They are not only cool, but they are also attractive because they are irresistibly cute in the gaps they sometimes show. This causes people to think "She's cool, but she's also feminine and cute!"
- Unwavering Belief: They take care of themselves and have unwavering beliefs and do not change their opinions or be swayed by other people's opinions. They act based on their own thoughts, so they live their life in their own way without worrying about what others think of them. They won't do anything to flatter people. In the first place, the act of flattering people arises from the feeling of "anxiety if everyone does not like you". However, ikemen joshi don't want to be liked by everyone. They will do what they believe in and as a result, they don't care if people hate or like it. This is because it is more important for them to stick to their own identity than to be flattered by others. Being able to express their beliefs clearly makes them look admirable. Because they take care of themselves, they are responsible for their words and actions, so it is also a characteristic of ikemen joshi to follow through to the end once they have decided something. This gives them a good impression as "reliable" and "cool".
- Reliable and Older Sisterly: They have their own ideas and have a refreshing personality that can quickly change their mind and move forward without getting upset, even if they fail. Instead of blaming others for their mistakes, they encourage and support them by saying, "Everyone has mistakes, so it's okay!" and give accurate advice. They have a kind, caring, and reliable older sister's personality (a woman's natural inclination to care for others), so it is common for people to consult with them about work and love problems because they listen seriously and consult with them kindly. They are gentle and sincere, and their personality of pulling those around them is exactly the personality of an older sister. An older sister who has a personality that says things clearly is likely to be a presence of admiration and goals.
- Treat Everyone Equally: They do not have two sides and will treat everyone equally. Their personalities and appearances are not biased towards either gender, so they can easily have a good relationship with either, as friends or lovers. Ikemen joshi don't lie or speak ill of people behind their backs, and they are popular because they don't have two sides of the same coin. Since they treat everyone equally, it can be said that they are easily loved by those around them regardless of gender, age, or position.
- Positive Attitude: They cheer up the people they are with, make them positive, and brighten up the place just by being there. The reason why they are trusted and relied on is because they have positive ideas, the ability to take action, and the ability to break through. They don't actively criticize or speak ill of others in a way that undermines them.
- Independent: They are mentally independent, so they don't have a tough time acting alone. They don't depend on others and are the type of person who can do everything by themselves, so if there is something they want to do, such as going out to eat or traveling, they will do it alone. It is not so much they "hate being around people" but more so that "they don't mind being alone". Women who can act alone are often thought to be "cool because they take care of themselves", so they are often admired by both men and women. However, they also tend to try too hard in situations where they must rely on themselves or are in difficult situations. Even if they are in a difficult situation, they will try to solve it by themselves so that the people around them will not realize it.
- Speaking Clearly: They can convey their opinions without fear, so they have the characteristic of speaking crisply. They speak in a clear and upbeat voice, which often makes a good impression on the person they are talking to and their calm cool tone of voice can make people feel comfortable. Additionally, while some people may swallow their words, an ikemen joshi will express their opinions clearly. Rather than giving vague answers, they want to be clear in black and white. They have a personality that is not afraid of being disliked and they will speak up if they think something is wrong and stand up for their juniors. Ikemen joshi convey their opinions properly, which makes people them easy to understand and desirable from a romantic point of view.
- Liked By Both Men and Women: They are liked by both men and women and are respected by the people around them. Ikemen joshi have both masculine and feminine charms, so they transcend gender allowing them to demonstrate both charms without fail. A handsome and cool figure is liked by women, and a feminine side is liked by men. The masculine part says things clearly without being flattered by others, and the feminine part cares about people. It combines both charms and makes it a well-liked presence for both men and women. If there is an ikemen joshi in the group they will surely become the center of the group and become popular.
- Helpful: They will notice things right away. If someone is in a bit of trouble, they will notice it and will come to that person to help and will follow up quickly. They are not condescending, and they help as a matter of course, like a hero.
- Sporty: Men who are good at sports tend to be seen as handsome. Likewise, ikemen joshi are usually also good at sports, whether it's softball, volleyball, soccer, basketball, you name it.
Romantic Tendencies
Mizuki Kanda showing a cuter side around Satomi Ooguma from Ikemen Girl to Hakoiri Musume
Some common romantic tendencies of ikemen joshi include:[15]
- Observant: They will notice immediately when their lover is struggling and will be there to help them.
- Supportive: They will accept and support their lover's weaknesses. They are easy to talk to and are good at accepting people. When someone they love is depressed at work or has a broken heart, they will be there for them and support them. Unlike "cute girls", it is a strength unique to ikemen joshi that they can not only spoil their lover but also support them and encourage them to inspire them. They are a "woman who wants to be by their side".
- Spoiling Their Lover: Rather than being the one who gets spoiled, they are more likely to be the one spoiling and pampering their lover. They tend to take the role of a "prince" and make their lover feel like a princess regardless of whether their lover is a man or a woman.
- Independent: They are good at acting alone, so they are not dependent on their lover. They often have a tough time showing their weaknesses to their lover and may try to overdo it. It is usually their lover who shows their vulnerable side first, which can cause the ikemen joshi to feel more comfortable letting themselves be weak in their presence.
- Moe Gap: They are not good at showing their vulnerable side because they know how they are perceived. Even when they are tired, they tend to try not to show any pretense or do their best without making a weak sound. But at the same time, this creates an opportunity to captivate their lover by the gap in their personality. They may try to indulge a little only in front of the person they love, which can make them surprised by the unusual appearance. In addition, there are times when the girlishness that is usually hidden by their cool demeanor comes out. For example, they may surprise their lover by wearing a dress or a girly outfit.
- Being Vulnerable: Ikemen joshi are not good at being spoiled, relying on others, or showing weakness. Not showing that part is also the secret to being relied on. However, when it comes to lovers, it can be unsettling to not be able to rely on them at all. So, only for the people they love, they will show their true face, which you don't often see. To be understood by the person they love and to deepen their relationship, it is important to take off their armor from time to time and show their true self. A little weakness that an independent woman sometimes shows is one of their human charms.
Similar Japanese Archetypes
- Anegohada: A female character with an older sister disposition who has a natural inclination to care for others.
- Cool Beauty: A term for a beautiful female character who has a calm, dignified, elegant, and confident aura. It is very similar to ikemen joshi, except instead of having traits of a cool handsome man they have traits of a cool, dignified, and beautiful woman.
- Dansou no Reijin: A term for a female character who is elegant and beautifully feminine, but also cross-dresses in men's clothing.
- Ikemen: A term for a male character who is cool, handsome, and stylish.
- Tsuyodere: A term for a female character who is normally very strong-willed, tough, and masculine, but becomes cute, delicate, and girly when they are with their love interest. Similar to ikemen joshi they are female characters who have both masculine and feminine traits.
List of Characters
Gallery
 Shiki Hiiragi with Hinami Ayukawa from Ikemen Sugidesu Shiki Senpai  Hiodoshi Ao from Hololive  Manaria Sousse with Claire François from I'm in Love with the Villainous  Micchon Shikimori from Miss Shikimori Is Not Just Cute  Mizuki Kanda with Satomi Ooguma from Ikemen Girl to Hakoiri Musume  Tomo Aizawa from Tomo-chan Is a Girl! |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Ikemen Joshi and Josou Danshi. Amazon (2021/05/21).
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Ikemen Girl to Hakoiri Musume. Ichijinsha (2019/09/27).
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Miss Shikimori is Not Just Cute. Shikimori Official Site (2022/04/10).
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Kanojo o Ubatta Ikemen Bishoujo ga Naze ka Ore Made Nerattekuru. Comic Walker (2024/10/08).
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 What is Ikemen Joshi. Pixiv Encyclopedia (2011/01/20).
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Ikemen Kanojo to Heroine na Ore!?. Palcy (2019/10/22).
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 The Girl I Want is So Handsome!. Seven Seas Entertainment (2022/01/25).
- ↑ Ikemen Sugidesu Shiki Senpai!. CMOA (2018/10/18).
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 What is the hottest handsome women? Introducing the characteristics of handsome women and handsome women from around the world!. Happy Mail (2019/10/15).
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 Why are cool girls popular? 7 characteristics of cool girls and their love tendencies. Happy Mail (2023/07/03).
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie. Crunchyroll (2019/02/02).
- ↑ Shoujo Manga - Ikemen Joshi. Mecha Comic.
- ↑ Ikemen dansou cosplayer ni Koi shiteru!!. Pixiv Comic (2022/07/22).
- ↑ What is Handsome Girl. Pixiv Encyclopedia.
- ↑ She has a manly personality! Introducing the characteristics of "Ikemen Joshi" who are attractive beyond gender by appearance, personality, and behavior. GirlsWalker (2023/08/19).
- ↑ 15 characteristics of ikemen joshi. How to get the coolness that is popular with men and women?. Smartlog (2024/05/08).
- ↑ What are the characteristics of fashion, makeup, and hairstyle of ikemen joshi?. Pairs (2016/02/14).
| v • eAndrogynous Archetypes | ||
|---|---|---|
| Female |
Bokukko ♡ Dansou no Reijin ♡ Ikemen Joshi ♡ Orekko ♡ Otenba Musume ♡ Otoko Masari | |
| Male |
Bishounen ♡ Josou Danshi ♡ Okama ♡ Otokonoko ♡ Nekama | |
| Both | ||