1. Introduction
Polygamy has long been a controversial topic in many societies around the world. In Japan, the practice of having multiple wives is not legally recognized. However, there is evidence that some men in Japan have more than one wife, raising questions about the prevalence and legality of polygamy in this country. In this article, we will explore the historical background of polygamy in Japan, examine its current legal status, discuss reasons why Japanese men may choose to have multiple wives, and consider potential challenges associated with having more than one wife. We will also look at social stigmas and cultural norms surrounding polygamy in Japan as well as examples of famous Japanese men who had multiple wives.
2. Historical Background of Polygamy in Japan
Polygamy has been practiced for centuries in various parts of Japan. During the Edo period (1603-1868), it was common for powerful samurai families to have multiple wives or concubines. This was seen as a way to secure their power and influence within society by having many children from different mothers. Although polygamy was not legally accepted during this time period, it was widely practiced among certain classes of people such as samurai and wealthy merchants.
3. The Current Legal Status of Polygamy in Japan
Today, polygamy is not legally accepted or recognized by the Japanese government. According to Article 733 of the Civil Code of Japan: “A man may only marry one woman” and “a woman may only marry one man” at any given time. This means that a man cannot legally have more than one wife at any given time nor can a woman have more than one husband at any given time. Additionally, it is illegal for two people of the same gender to be married or enter into a civil union together according to Article 24 of the Constitution of Japan which states: “Marriage shall be based only on the mutual consent of both sexes” and “no person shall be allowed to form a marriage with another person without his/her own free will”
4. Reasons Why Japanese Men May Choose to Have Multiple Wives
Despite its illegality in modern day Japan, there are still some men who choose to pursue polygamy due to certain cultural beliefs or personal desires. Some men may view having multiple wives as a way to increase their social status or gain more wealth through additional marriages while others may simply want companionship from multiple partners at once. Additionally, some men may feel pressured by family members or society to take on multiple wives due to traditional beliefs about gender roles or economic reasons such as needing additional help with childcare or household duties if they are unable to provide for their family on their own income alone
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- 246 Pages - 10/11/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
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5. Potential Challenges Associated with Having More Than One Wife
Although there are some benefits associated with having multiple wives, there are also several potential challenges that come along with it as well such as financial strain due to providing for two (or more) households instead of just one; increased tension between wives due to competition over resources; difficulty managing different schedules; and potential legal issues if any partners decide they want out but are unable (or unwilling) to get divorced due to religious beliefs or other reasons
6 Social Stigmas and Cultural Norms Surrounding Polygamy in Japan
In addition to potential challenges associated with having more than one wife, there are also several social stigmas that come along with practicing polygamy in modern day Japan which can make it difficult for those involved in such relationships even if they do not face legal repercussions from doing so.For example, those involved in polygamous relationships often face public scrutiny from family members and friends who disapprove of such behavior; they may also experience discrimination from employers who do not want employees engaging in activities that could reflect poorly on their company’s image; and finally they may struggle with finding acceptance within their communities since most people still adhere to traditional values when it comes marriage.
7 Examples Of Famous Japanese Men Who Had Multiple Wives
Despite all these potential obstacles faced by those practicing polygamy,there have been some notable examples throughout history where famous Japanese men were able take on multiple wives without facing too much backlash from society.For instance,Toyotomi Hideyoshi,a prominent warlord during the Sengoku period (1467-1603),had three main consorts along with numerous concubines ; Emperor Go-Mizunoo (1596-1680) had five primary consorts ; while Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616),founder of the Tokugawa shogunate,had eight official wives.
8 Conclusion
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In conclusion,although it is illegal for Japanese men today,historically speaking polygamy has been practiced among certain classes within society.There are various reasons why some men choose pursue this lifestyle despite its illegality including wanting additional companionship,increasing social status,gaining wealth through additional marriages etc.However,those involved often face public scrutiny along with potential legal issues depending on how open they are about their relationships.Finally,there have been several famous examples throughout history where prominent figures were able take on multiple wives without facing too much backlash from society.
9 References
Japan Insiders – Polygamy & Marriage Laws In Japan: What You Need To Know https://www.japaninsidersguide.com/polygamy-marriage-laws-in-japan/
The Constitution Of The Empire Of JAPAN https://www1law jp / en / constitution / constitution01 html / #article_24 Stanford Encyclopedia Of Philosophy – Marriage In Japanese Law And Society https://plato stanford edu / entries / marriage – japanese – law – society /
- Used Book in Good Condition
- George Trombley (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 376 Pages - 08/22/2014 (Publication Date) - Learn From Zero (Publisher)
- Ken Fukuyama, Yuki Fukuyama (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 246 Pages - 10/11/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Sumiko Uo (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 6 Pages - 01/01/2005 (Publication Date) - QuickStudy (Publisher)
How many wives can you have in Japan?
Re: Can I marry two wives in Japan? Polygamy is illegal in Japan so you cannot get married here. As far as I know Japan does not recognize legal marriages performed in other countries while some countries do (such as UK Australia etc.).
Did Japanese men have multiple wives?
Until 1945 when Japan was defeated in World War II and a new constitution was promulgated polygamy was still legal. Polygamous women their children from one father and their relatives were considered family.
What nationality has more than one wife?
Polygamy is most often found in sub-Saharan Africa, where 11 percent of the population lives in arrangements that include more than one spouse. Polygamy is widespread in a cluster of countries in West and Central Africa, including Burkina Faso, ( percent), Mali ( percent) and Nigeria ( percent).
Do Japanese get divorced?
Answer: Japanese law allows for divorce through the family court system or through a simple registration process at a ward office. Known in Japanese as divorce by mutual consent (kyogi rikon) this district office process can be faster and cheaper than going to family court.
How common is extra marital affairs in Japan?
According to a 2017 survey, 43. 1 percent of married Japanese men and 32. 2 percent of married Japanese women admitted to having an extramarital affair at some point in their lives. Similarly, a survey conducted in 2018 found that 15 percent of married people in Japan had had an affair in the past year.
Do Japanese men avoid marriage?
While young Japanese of both sexes are increasingly choosing the solo life, its men who are giving it the biggest embrace. The National Institute of Population and Social Security Research recently claimed that 24 percent of Japanese men hadnt married by the age of 50, compared to 14 percent of women.
