Ryuta Watanabe, a 36-year-old from Hokkaido, Japan, has chosen an unconventional path in life—he has been unemployed for the past decade. He aspires to become the self-proclaimed “God of Marriage.” His lifestyle revolves around relationships with four wives and two girlfriends, with whom he shares responsibilities. Though the marriages are informal, these common-law relationships function similarly to traditional marriages based on cohabitation and mutual support.
Watanabe’s household includes three wives and two of his ten children, while the other wives and partners live separately. The entire household operates on an expense of approximately 914,000 yen (around Rs 5 lakh) per month, which is jointly covered by his partners. He, in turn, plays the role of a househusband, taking care of cooking, household chores, and child-rearing. However, his relationship with his wife, who is 24 years old, has grown distant. Additionally, he met his two girlfriends through social media platforms.
Watanabe’s journey toward this unconventional lifestyle began following a breakup six years ago, which left him deeply depressed. Seeking emotional connection, he turned to dating apps and eventually built a web of relationships. On a TV appearance earlier in 2024, Watanabe explained that his love for women and belief in shared affection across multiple partners are at the heart of his lifestyle. “As long as we love each other equally, there won’t be any problems,” he said.
Watanabe’s goal is to father 54 children, a staggering aspiration that reflects his unique worldview. So far, he has ten children, and despite the nontraditional setup, he believes love and equality keep his relationships functional. His story has drawn attention and criticism for challenging social norms around marriage and family structure.