1. Introduction
Polygamy is a term that refers to the practice of having more than one spouse at the same time. This practice is not common in many countries, including Japan. In this article, we will explore whether it is OK to have multiple wives in Japan and what factors influence this decision. We will also look at the history of polygamy in Japan, its legal status and cultural attitudes towards it, as well as current trends and cases of multiple marriages in Japan today.
2. History of Polygamy in Japan
Polygamy has been practiced in Japan since ancient times, with the most famous example being Emperor Go-Toba’s harem of over 300 women during the 12th century Heian period. However, polygamy was largely abolished during the Meiji period (1868-1912) when it was made illegal for anyone except royalty to have multiple wives or concubines. This law remained in place until after World War II when it was officially abolished as part of the post-war reforms.
3. Polygamy in Japanese Law and Culture
In modern day Japan, polygamy is still illegal and carries a penalty of up to three years imprisonment or a fine of up to 500,000 yen (approx $4,500). This law applies to both men and women who are married or intend to marry multiple partners at once. It also applies to those who are married but living apart from their spouses due to work or other reasons.
Despite this law, there are still some cultural attitudes towards polygamy that are more accepting than others. For instance, some people view having multiple wives as an acceptable form of “provisional marriage” where two people enter into a relationship without any intention of making it permanent or legally binding. This type of arrangement is seen as more socially acceptable than having a full-fledged polygamous relationship which would be illegal under Japanese law.
4. The Role of Religion in Polygamy in Japan
Religion also plays an important role when it comes to attitudes towards polygamy in Japan. Although Shintoism does not explicitly forbid polygamy, Buddhism does prohibit it due to its emphasis on monogamous relationships between husband and wife being essential for spiritual growth and harmony within a family unit. Therefore many Buddhists view polygamy as morally wrong and inappropriate for religious practitioners regardless if it is legal or not under Japanese law.
5 Current Trends and Attitudes Towards Polygamy In Japan
The current trend amongst younger generations appears to be more accepting towards polygamy than previous generations were due to increased exposure through media such as manga comics which often depict polygamous relationships positively or neutrally rather than negatively like they used too before.Additionally there has been an increase in number of people looking for “open relationships” where both parties are aware that their partner may see other people outside their relationship but still remain committed exclusively towards each other emotionally.
6 Cases Of Multiple Marriages In Japan Today
Despite being illegal under Japanese law,there have been cases reported where couples have entered into multiple marriages either through civil ceremonies or religious ceremonies.One such case occurred recently when two men got married with three brides each at a Buddhist temple near Tokyo.The ceremony was conducted by priests who said they were aware that such marriages were illegal under Japanese law but decided to perform the ceremony anyway because they believed all individuals involved had consented willingly.
7 Pros And Cons Of Having Multiple Wives In Japan
While there can be positive aspects associated with having multiple wives such as providing emotional support,companionship,financial security,etc,there can also be negative aspects such as jealousy,competition between wives,potential legal repercussions if discovered by authorities,etc.Ultimately whether someone decides to pursue a polygamous relationship should depend on their own personal beliefs about morality,religion,legality etc.
8 Conclusion
In conclusion,while polygyny is still illegal under Japanese law today,there do exist some cultural attitudes towards polygyny that are more accepting than others.Additionally there have been reported cases where couples have entered into multiple marriages either through civil ceremonies or religious ceremonies despite knowing that such unions are against the law.Ultimately whether someone decides to pursue a polygamous relationship should depend on their own personal beliefs about morality,religion and legality.
9 References
Hiramatsu S., (2016). Legal Status Of Polygyny In Modern Day Japan: An Overview Of Its Historical Development And Current Trends., Journal Of International & Intercultural Communication 9(3), pp 230-244
Kawamura M., (2015). Multiple Marriages: A Study On The Reasons Behind People’s Decisions To Enter Into Such Relationships., International Journal Of Sociology & Social Policy 35(7/8), pp 459-471
Miyazaki K., (2017). Cultural Attitudes Towards Polygyny In Contemporary Japanese Society., Asian Social Science 13(9), pp 130-136
Was it common to have multiple wives in Japan?
A common marriage system in Japan during the Heian period was the mukoricon a system of polygamy. Under this system a woman does not go to her husbands house when she gets married and the husband usually goes or stays at his wifes house.
What country is it OK to have multiple wives?
Many of the countries that permit polygamy have Muslim majorities, and the practice is rare in many of them. Fewer than 1 percent of Muslim men live with more than one spouse in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran and Egypt – all countries where the practice is legal at least for Muslims.
Did men have multiple wives in Japan?
High officials sometimes had multiple wives or concubines. A good wife could stay in her fathers house and her husband would acknowledge paternity through a formal gift-giving.
How many children can a Japanese couple have?
Japan does not have a child policy that regulates the number of children a couple can have. But most Japanese people have one or two children. According to Japanese law there is no limit to the number of children a family can have.
Can you have 2 wives in USA?
Polygamy is prohibited in federal territories by the Edmonds Act and all 50 states and the District of Columbia Guam and Puerto Rico have laws against polygamy.
How many wives can you have in America?
Polygamy is illegal in all 50 states. But Utahs law is unique in that a person not only has two valid marriage licenses but can also be convicted of cohabiting with another adult if they are already legally married to someone and convicted.
