This article explores the history of polygamy in Japan, its current legal status, and the social stigma that continues to surround it. Polygamy was practiced by samurai in ancient times and made illegal in 1873 under the Meiji government's Civil Code of Japan. Despite being illegal, it is still practiced in some rural communities where traditional values prevail and women have few other options for financial security. The consequences for violating the law are severe and include imprisonment and deportation. There is a strong social stigma associated with polygamy due to its association with traditional values and cultural beliefs about family structure and gender roles. While there may be positive impacts such as providing financial security, there are also potential negative impacts such as feelings of jealousy between spouses or feelings of shame amongst children growing up within such households.