Meet Ryuta Watanabe, a 36-year-old man from Hokkaido, Japan, who, despite being jobless, has set the ambitious goal of fathering 54 children.

Watanabe aspires to become the "God of Marriage" and has been without a job for over a decade. He depends entirely on the incomes of his four wives and two girlfriends to maintain his lifestyle.

Though they are not legally married, his wives are considered common-law partners under Japan’s long-term cohabitation rules. Currently, he has 10 children and lives with three of his wives and two of the children.

Maintaining his household costs about 914,000 yen (RM26,300) monthly, an expense shouldered by his wives and girlfriends. In return, Watanabe stays at home, managing household chores, cooking, and caring for the children, fulfilling the role of a househusband.

His unconventional lifestyle has sparked significant online attention, with reactions ranging from admiration to criticism. On a recent episode of the TV show Abema Prime, Watanabe explained, "I just love women. As long as we love each other equally, there won’t be any problems."

Watanabe’s story was first reported by Japan’s Shueisha Online, and he has not shied away from media attention. His relationships are highly organized: each wife has her own room, and he alternates spending nights with them.

Watanabe claims to have sex 28 times a week and insists that jealousy is not an issue among his partners, who, according to him, get along like friends.

He aims to surpass the record of Tokugawa Ienari, a 19th-century shogun who fathered 53 children, by having 54 of his own.

Six years ago, Watanabe was struggling with depression after a breakup and living on welfare. It was then he turned to dating apps, through which he met his current partners. Now, he continues to pursue his goal of making history and becoming the "God of Marriage."

"I want to have 54 children so my name will go down in history. I’m still searching for new wives," Watanabe said.