10 Kids And 4 Wives: Why Is This Japanese Man On A Mission To Father 54 Kids?

Ryuta Watanabe, a 36-year-old resident of Hokkaido, Japan, has announced his goal to father 54 children, aiming to surpass an alleged historical record. Watanabe, who has gained attention for his unconventional family structure, currently lives with three of his four partners and two of his 10 children.

Japanese Man Aiming To Father 54 Children Wants To Be 'God of Marriage'

Although polygamy is illegal in Japan, Watanabe’s relationships function like common-law marriages. His unions are not legally recognised, but he refers to his partners as his "wives." He rotates between them and claims to engage in sexual relations 28 times a week, though he admits that mistakes in his rotation schedule do occasionally happen. “Sometimes I mix up the rotation, but my wife tells me, 'It's not me today,” he explained.

Watanabe’s ambition to father 54 children is inspired by Tokugawa Ienari, a 19th-century shogun from Japan’s Edo period, who is said to have fathered 53 children with 27 different women. Watanabe, who describes himself as the "God of Marriage," hopes to leave a similar legacy.

Unconventional Lifestyle and Financial Arrangements

Watanabe’s household operates differently from traditional families. He has not held a conventional job for over a decade and contributes by taking care of the household and children. 

His income comes mainly from media appearances and his YouTube channel, "Reiwa no Tora Channel," where he shares his life. His partners’ salaries cover household expenses, which amount to roughly 914,000 yen ($6,000) a month, split among them.

Watanabe’s lifestyle has sparked significant criticism, with many calling his approach irresponsible. However, he remains unfazed by the negative comments. He continues to meet new women through social media and currently has two girlfriends outside of his four main partners. “As long as we love each other equally, there won’t be any problems,” Watanabe told Shueisha Online.

While Watanabe's first marriage, which took place when he was 19, ended in divorce after two years, his views on family and relationships changed when he turned 30. Now, he is determined to pursue his dream of creating a large family, despite the challenges and criticisms he faces.