History of Polygamy in Japan
Polygamy has been practiced in various forms throughout human history, but it is often frowned upon in modern societies due to its perceived violation of monogamous norms. In Japan, however, polygamy was once widely accepted and even encouraged among certain groups. Early Shinto texts suggest that marriage between one man and multiple women was commonplace during the Yayoi Period, which lasted from around 300 BCE to 300 CE. This practice continued into the Asuka Period (592–710), when Buddhist missionaries from Korea introduced new religious teachings that emphasized celibacy and monogamy.
Some Japanese nobles continued to engage in polygamy, leading to conflicts with the government.
Religious Polygamy
In the Heian Period (794–11868), Buddhism became more widespread in Japan and began to influence social norms. The aristocracy adopted many Buddhist beliefs and practices, including the idea that monks should be celibate.
Polygamy remained popular among members of the samurai class, who saw themselves as warriors charged with protecting the country and maintaining their physical and mental strength through sexual activity. Many of these men were followers of Shugendo, a syncretic religion that blended elements of Shinto, Taoism, and Buddhism. Shugendo promoted polygamy as a way for men to fulfill their duties to their clan and society while also honoring their spiritual commitments.
Social Concerns
Despite its acceptance among the upper classes, polygamy was not without controversy in medieval Japan. Some scholars argued that it went against Confucian values and undermined traditional family structures. Others worried about the economic burden on families with multiple wives, especially those who could not afford to support them adequately. These concerns led to efforts to regulate polygamy and limit its spread throughout society. By the Edo Period (1603–1868), most families followed the custom of marrying their daughters off at a young age and expected them to remain faithful to their husbands for life. This trend toward monogamy coincided with the rise of Christianity in Japan, which further emphasized the importance of marital fidelity.
Ethical Considerations
As Japan modernized in the Meiji Era (1868–1912), new religions emerged that sought to reconcile polygamy with ethical and spiritual concerns. One example is Tenrikyo, which teaches that marriage should be based on mutual love and respect rather than material wealth or social status. The sect's founder, Nakayama Miki, believed that polygamy could provide emotional and financial security for all involved parties, but she encouraged couples to enter into such arrangements only after carefully considering their obligations and responsibilities. Other groups, such as the New Religionists, adopted similar approaches to polygamy by stressing the need for open communication and mutual consent between partners.
How have new Japanese religions historically reconciled polygamy with ethical, spiritual, and social concerns?
New Japanese religions historically faced difficulties when attempting to reconcile polygamy with ethical, spiritual, and social concerns due to their cultural and religious beliefs. According to some scholars, these religions attempted to justify polygamy as a way of fulfilling sexual desires without violating moral principles by claiming that men had multiple wives who were considered "invisible" or "virtual.