Draft:Watanabe Ryuta

Ryuta Watanabe (born 1988) is an unemployed Japanese man who has become a polarizing figure in Japan due to his unconventional, polygamous lifestyle with multiple partners and children, which he ostentatiously showcases on television programs and social media. Ryuta lives with four women, one of whom is his legally recognized wife, and has ten children, although only two reside in his household. His livelihood is entirely supported by his partners. While some praise him for his openness and alternative lifestyle, many criticize him for challenging traditional societal norms and legal frameworks in several ways.

Biography

Origin and Early Life

Ryuta Watanabe was born in 1988 into a modest family. His father worked as a taxi driver, and his mother was a housewife. These humble social and economic circumstances shaped Ryuta's early life path. During a challenging phase when he suffered from depression and relied on social welfare, Ryuta's then-girlfriend left him. Reportedly, the breakup was influenced by the socioeconomic status of his family. This event became a turning point in his life, motivating him to turn to online dating platforms to find new partners, which eventually set the stage for his later lifestyle.

Relationships, Marriages, and Financial Situation

After his breakup, Ryuta began actively seeking relationships through dating apps. He legally married his first wife, Chihiro, while simultaneously maintaining additional relationships. He now lives with four women, with some significant age differences between them. He also maintains relationships with two other women he met through social media.

A striking aspect of Ryuta Watanabe’s lifestyle is his complete financial dependence on his partners. Unemployed for several years, he does not contribute to the household income. Instead, his partners bear all financial responsibilities to support his lifestyle, with monthly expenses amounting to approximately $6,000. In interviews, Ryuta has emphasized that having enough time for his relationships is essential to him and that he considers his partners’ financial support vital.

Family Life and Dynamics

Ryuta Watanabe lives with his partners in a shared household in Hokkaido, where each woman has her own room. To manage his sexual relationships with multiple partners, he uses a calendar that allows him to allocate his nights effectively. In an interview, he stated that he has an average of over 28 sexual encounters per week. At the same time, he claimed that there is harmony in his household and no jealousy, as his partners reportedly get along well and treat each other like friends. However, this portrayal contrasts with statements from Chihiro, Ryuta's first and only legal wife, who revealed that she has left the shared home for extended periods about 20 times during their five-year marriage due to disagreements or disputes. Despite these conflicts, she has always returned to resume her role within the fragile family structure.

Ryuta defends his lifestyle, arguing that his love for women and his belief in equal treatment are key to harmonious coexistence. On the Japanese television program Abema Prime, he explained: "I just love women. As long as we love each other equally, there won’t be any problems."

Record Attempt and Children

Ryuta has fathered ten children so far, but only two live with him in his household. His ambitious goal is to break the Japanese record for the most offspring. He draws inspiration from Tokugawa Ienari, a shogun of the Edo period who fathered 53 children with 27 concubines. Ryuta aims to surpass this record and has dubbed himself the "God of Marriage." To achieve this, he actively seeks additional sexual partners willing to join his family model.

Social and Legal Controversies

Polygamy is legally prohibited in Japan, meaning Ryuta can only be legally married to one woman. The widespread media coverage of his lifestyle has sparked heated debates, particularly on social media, where questions have arisen about the compatibility of his model with traditional Japanese values and laws. Criticism has focused primarily on the long-term implications of his lifestyle, particularly the living conditions of his children and the financial burden on his partners. At the same time, some view his openness and honesty as courageous.

Sources

• Newsweek. (2024, January 15). Man Aiming To Father 54 Children Wants To Be 'God of Marriage'.
• TODAY Online. (2024, January 14). Japanese man, 35, has four wives and two girlfriends, hasn't worked in 10 years as he lives off them.
• Deccan Herald. (2024). 'God of marriage': Japanese man with 4 wives, 2 girlfriends, 10 kids aims to father 54 children.
• Zhang, Z. (2024, October 17). Japan man with 4 wives, 2 girlfriends aims to father 54 children, become ‘god of marriage’. South China Morning Post.
• Vietnam.vn. (2024). Ein Mann in Japan sorgte für Kontroversen, als er mit vier Frauen zusammenlebte.
• Singh, S. (2024, October 19). Japanese man with 4 wives & 2 girlfriends aspires to be 'God of Marriage'. Times Now.
• Anglesey, A. (2024, October 17). I have four wives and two girlfriends - I want 54 kids so I can become a god of marriage. Mirror.
• Anglesey, A., & Broughton, H. (2024, October 18). 'God of marriage' plans to have 54 kids with his four wives and two girlfriends. The Express.