Ryuta Watanabe, a 36-year-old man from Hokkaido, Japan, has set a personal goal that is catching attention worldwide: he aims to father 54 children and become known as the “God of Marriage.” Watanabe lives a life that goes against traditional beliefs, currently sharing his home with three of his four wives and two of his ten children.
His relationship with his fourth wife is estranged.
His ambition doesn’t only stem from personal desire; it also comes from a historical inspiration. As reported by Shueisha Online, Watanabe seeks to outdo the legacy of Tokugawa Ienari, an 18th-century shogun in Japan who allegedly fathered 53 children.
Rethinking Family Life
Watanabe’s family setup is far from ordinary. Although Japanese law does not recognize polygamy, his relationships mirror a marriage-like commitment through common-law partnerships. In this structure, Watanabe’s wives share responsibilities with him without formal legal registration.
Three of his four wives live with him, along with two of his ten children. He supports the family as a stay-at-home father, taking on household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and childcare, while his partners work to meet the household’s monthly expenses of approximately 914,000 yen (about 7,909.27 SGD).
While Watanabe is currently unemployed, his media appearances on the YouTube channel, Reiwa no Tora CHANNEL, and his personal YouTube account supplement his family’s income.
His YouTube content often focuses on his unique lifestyle, and he has shared that he pursued media not only to gain financial independence but also because he felt his story would naturally attract interest.
Building a Family in Unconventional Ways
Watanabe’s unusual family started when he turned to dating apps six years ago, following a breakup that left him heartbroken. According to SCMP, this experience inspired him to connect with women who would eventually become his life partners. Today, he remains active on social media, where he continues to meet new women.
Two of his current girlfriends joined the family this way, and Watanabe claims that mutual love keeps his relationships strong. In a Japanese TV show called Abema Prime, he said, “As long as we love each other equally, there won’t be any problems,” he explained.
Watanabe manages his living arrangements by rotating between his wives’ bedrooms in their home, which has three bedrooms. He engages in sexual relations more than 28 times a week, often with two to three women in one day, and occasionally participates in group play.
Additionally, if he mistakenly skips a rotation, his wife will remind him by saying, “It’s not my turn today.”
Financial Structure and Support
Watanabe’s reliance on his partners’ incomes is an unusual arrangement but one that, according to him, has its benefits. While he hasn’t held a traditional job in over a decade, he believes he contributes by creating a stable home environment, taking care of the children, and managing daily tasks.
His wives and girlfriends, he explains, have supported his decision to pursue his goals, even joining him on media appearances when needed. His family’s expenses are shared among his partners, allowing them to collectively sustain Watanabe’s dream of a large family.
While people often question his lifestyle, Watanabe remains undeterred. He has faced criticism and slanderous comments but has become accustomed to such reactions. His partners, he notes, are supportive and encourage his ambitions despite the social backlash.
Goal to Have a Large Family
Watanabe’s goal of having 54 children is more than just a personal dream; it’s about making a mark in history. He wants to be remembered for his dedication to family and love. For him, family means building connections with others, including his wish to have up to seven wives. He believes that seven is the number of wives he can live with abundantly.
While it’s uncertain if he will reach this ambitious goal, Watanabe and his family are currently united by their shared vision and commitment to each other.
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