Japan ‘kept man' gains fame for being supported by 15 wealthy women, earns US$7,000 monthly
A Japanese man who has embraced the role of a full-time kept man for years, financially supported by as many as 15 wealthy women at one time, has garnered significant attention online due to his unique lifestyle, which allowed him to earn as much as 1 million yen (US$7,000) each month.
The man, identified as Takuya Ikoma, 31, went viral after sharing his personal experiences on his YouTube channel, which boasts around 3,000 followers.
He stated: 'Everyone thinks being a 'kept man' means having money and free time, but managing 15 affluent women at once can be enjoyable, yet it's also incredibly tiring.'
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For instance, his videos demonstrate that before meeting wealthy clients, he took great care to present himself impeccably. This included applying make-up, grooming his hair, and selecting appropriate attire.
At the homes of his clients, he engaged in a variety of activities, such as dining and drinking with them, engaging in conversation, providing emotional support, and fulfilling his role as a 'housekeeper'.
His household chores included mopping the floor, washing dishes, cleaning bathrooms – including scrubbing toilets – and even picking up after dogs.
Remarkably, he earned 160,000 yen (US$1,100) for just three hours of household services.
In a 2019 interview with Abema TV, Ikoma revealed that at his peak, he earned up to 1 million yen per month while catering to 15 wealthy women, working a mere eight days a month.
One client in her 20s remarked: 'For me, it's simply a cost-to-benefit situation. I find dating too exhausting. He is very sociable, and as long as I pay for his services, he provides me with emotional support. I don't have to invest emotionally; I just spend money to enjoy myself.'
As demand for his services increased, he started to be more selective with his clients, prioritising them based on their appearances.
In one instance, a wealthy woman offered him 1 million yen a month for exclusive services, but he declined, emphasising that he needed to remain available to all his clients.
Ikoma's journey began at the age of 18 when he discovered his ability to charm older, affluent women, who treated him extravagantly and provided him with extra money for accompanying them on shopping trips or dining outings.
He then made the bold decision to pursue a full-time career as a 'kept man'.
However, during the Covid pandemic, the number of his clients dwindled from 15 to just seven, leading to a significant decline in his income and prompting him to devise new strategies for financial sustainability.
He launched a YouTube channel, sharing insights and personal narratives about the 'kept man' lifestyle, and even plans to introduce a 'Kept Man Training Course' to impart his expertise to aspiring young men.
Despite facing controversy, he proudly defended his unconventional career: 'I could never hold a traditional job; it's simply impossible for me. Wealthy women are all talented and beautiful, and their voices are enchanting. I absolutely love being supported by them.'
'For me, providing happiness to affluent women is the most fulfilling endeavour! Living off a rich woman – this is the career I aspire to!'
Ikoma's experiences have sparked heated discussions online, with public opinions divided sharply.
One individual commented: 'Everyone has their own aspirations. At least he is not breaking the law but earning money through legitimate skills!'
Conversely, another criticised: 'Society's morals are deteriorating; shouldn't this behaviour be condemned and ridiculed?'
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