Ikumen Day is an annual observance in Japan, held every year on October 19. What Is Ikumen Day? October 19th is "Ikumen Day" in Japan. It was established by the Ikumen of the Year Executive Commit

Ikumen Day is observed every year on October 19.

When was Ikumen Day established?

Ikumen Day was established in 2011.

What other anniversaries fall on October 19?

October 19 is also "Bargain Sale Day", "TOEIC Day (TOEIC no Hi)", "Housing Education Day (Jūiku no Hi)". See the October 19 page for details.

October 19

Ikumen Day

Other

What Is Ikumen Day?

October 19th is "Ikumen Day" in Japan. It was established by the Ikumen of the Year Executive Committee and certified and registered by the Japan Anniversary Association in 2011. The date is a play on words: 10-19 can be read as "tou-san ikuji," meaning "dad's childcare." It is a day to cheer on fathers who enjoy raising their children, and the "Ikumen of the Year" awards have been held to coincide with it.

Wordplay That Cheers On "Dad's Childcare"

"Ikumen" became a popular word for men who enjoy and actively take part in raising their children. The day aims to have society as a whole support them.

Established by: The Ikumen of the Year Executive Committee
Certified: Registered by the Japan Anniversary Association in 2011
Date origin: Wordplay reading 10-19 as "tou-san ikuji" (dad's childcare)
Related event: "Ikumen of the Year," honoring dads who most enjoyed and worked hard at parenting that year

How "Ikumen of the Year" Began

Ikumen of the Year began in 2011, and its first winners included TV personality Hideyuki Nakayama, entertainer Takeshi Tsuruno and soccer player Yasuhito Endo. The committee describes an ikumen as "a dad who not only enjoys parenting but also makes mom happy."

Tips for Marking This Day

Set aside a little more time than usual to spend with your family
Talk at work about ways to make things easier for coworkers raising children
Look up your company's childcare leave policy
Offer a few words of appreciation to parents who are raising kids

A Dad Who Enjoys Parenting Brightens Everyone Around Him

Raising children is a whole-family effort. October 19th is a day to cheer on fathers who enjoy parenting and to talk with people around you about balancing home and work.