Japan’s controversial polygamous YouTuber Ryuta Watanabe has confirmed the complete collapse of his once heavily promoted multi-wife family, bringing an abrupt end to a lifestyle that drew both fascination and criticism online.
Watanabe, who built a sizeable following by documenting his unconventional household, announced that two of his wives have left him, effectively dismantling the family structure he had showcased for years. According to his own account, the first and third wives returned to their parents’ homes, taking their four children with them. The departures marked a turning point that exposed the severe financial and emotional strain behind the carefully curated content.
In a candid update, Watanabe admitted that ongoing money problems and deep disagreements over his polygamous lifestyle were the primary reasons behind the family breakdown. He revealed that his total bank savings had dwindled to just 11,000 yen, an amount that barely covers daily necessities in Japan. The disclosure shocked followers who had assumed that his online visibility translated into stable income.
The collapse has reignited wider debate around influencer culture, alternative family structures and the financial realities of monetised personal lives. In Singapore, where discussions around cost of living, household stability and online income streams are especially relevant, the story resonated as a cautionary tale about the gap between digital image and reality.
A FAMILY DREAM UNRAVELS UNDER FINANCIAL PRESSURE
Watanabe’s situation reportedly worsened as household expenses mounted and online revenue failed to keep pace. Supporting multiple partners and children proved unsustainable, particularly as viewer interest plateaued. Without sufficient advertising revenue, sponsorships or consistent platform payouts, the family’s finances deteriorated rapidly.
He disclosed that he is now living out of a car with his remaining second wife, who does not have children. The pair are said to be adopting a nomadic lifestyle, moving between locations while attempting to rebuild their income. The drastic change stands in stark contrast to the domestic stability and harmony once portrayed in his videos.
For many observers, the situation highlights the risks of relying solely on social media income. Fluctuating algorithms, advertiser pullbacks and audience fatigue can quickly turn online fame into financial vulnerability. In high-cost environments, whether in Tokyo or Singapore, such instability can have devastating consequences for families.
The case also raises questions about the ethics of broadcasting children’s lives for content, particularly when the underlying financial foundation is fragile. Critics argue that the collapse was inevitable once real-world pressures outweighed online engagement.
PLANNING A COMEBACK AMID CONTROVERSY
Despite the fallout, Watanabe has signalled that he is not stepping away from the spotlight. He recently announced plans for a so-called “wife audition”, inviting new partners to join his unconventional car-based lifestyle. The announcement was met with disbelief and backlash, with many questioning the responsibility and realism of expanding his household under such circumstances.
Supporters, however, view the move as a calculated attempt to revive his channel and attract renewed attention. In the attention-driven economy of social media, controversy often translates into clicks, advertising impressions and potential revenue recovery.
The story underscores a broader lesson about online personas and personal finance. As more individuals attempt to monetise their private lives through digital platforms, the line between content creation and long-term sustainability becomes increasingly blurred. For audiences, it serves as a reminder that viral success does not always equate to financial security.
Whether Watanabe’s comeback succeeds remains uncertain. What is clear is that the collapse of his polygamous family has transformed him from a symbol of alternative living into a stark example of how quickly curated lifestyles can unravel when economic reality sets in.