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Zoey Zhang

A woman in eastern Japan with six handsome sons has been coping with the enormous challenge of spending 700,000 yen (US$4,600) a month to keep her family afloat.
Recently, the Japanese variety show Mum’s Secret Garden produced by ABEMA featured the 34-year-old mother.
Her name is Monko and she is from Chiba prefecture just east of Tokyo, and she went viral thanks to her beautiful looks.

At just 16, she reportedly gave birth to her first son, Ryuki, and dropped out of school to care for him.
While her peers focused on university, Monko spent sleepless nights nursing and changing diapers.
After marrying Ryuki’s father and having two more sons, she divorced him due to differing values.
As a single mum raising three kids, Monko then married Yosuke Mitsutsuka, a caring man, and they had three more sons.

Although the couple’s jobs and income remain undisclosed, Mitsutsuka is described as a “hands-on father and stepfather” who plays an active role in raising children.
Monko’s six sons have drawn attention for their striking resemblance to popular Japanese celebrities.
Her eldest, 17-year-old Ryuki, is independent and rebellious, with the Japanese media noting his likeness to Tokyo singer Ren Nagase.
Her second son is said to resemble a charming actor, Hayato Ichihara, while her third son looks like a Japanese model.

The other three younger children also have thick black hair, large eyes, high noses and full lips.
Online observers have joked that the six brothers look so good they could form an idol group.
Monko revealed that her biggest challenge is managing the family’s expenses, with over 700,000 yen spent every month, about a third of which goes toward food.
She said that her growing sons have huge appetites, often requiring 3kg of chicken nuggets for dinner.
The boys love shopping with their mother, enjoying the chance to pick out their favourite items.
Monko said that her typical shopping haul includes dozens of bananas, 5kg of meat and six baskets of vegetables and rice.
At the checkout, the list often includes more than 110 items, all of which are consumed within a few days.
Monko admitted that parenting her six kids is tough, especially with Ryuki, her strong-willed eldest who often clashes with his stepfather.
She said she understood Ryuki’s fear of being neglected but struggles to juggle everything.

Still, Ryuki remained thoughtful, telling his mother: “Thank you for giving birth to me.”
On the TV show, Monko said that her children’s happiness means more to her than her own.
She even joked that if she could, she would love to have a seventh child.
Her story has sparked a big discussion on social media.
One online observer said: “Monko is a supermum, practically a national hero in Japan, where the birth rate is low.”
However, another netizen expressed concern: “With such a large family, it is hard for Monko to treat all six sons fairly. I am worried about their future.”


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Japanese mum, 34, faces major challenges raising 6 sons, spends US$4,600 a month on family

A 34-year-old mother in Japan has told of how she faces major challenges raising her six sons, spending an astonishing US$4,600 a month to support them. Photo: COMBO/Abema Times/hotosena.com

Mother Monko, far left, poses for a group photo with her six “handsome” sons. Photo: SCMPOST

Monko with one of her children. She says she would “love” to have a seventh child. Photo: SCMPOST

Monko as a younger woman with one of her baby sons. She had her first child aged just 16. Photo: SCMPOST

Family fortunes: A typical shopping outing can leave Monko with a bill of US$1,600. Photo: SCMPOST

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People & Culture

‘Beautiful’ woman has first child at 16, goes on to have five more ‘handsome’ sons who scoff 3kg of chicken nuggets at one sitting


‘Beautiful’ woman has first child at 16, goes on to have five more ‘handsome’ sons who scoff 3kg of chicken nuggets at one sitting.


Japan

Japanese mum, 34, faces major challenges raising 6 sons, spends US$4,600 a month on family

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}‘Beautiful’ woman has first child at 16, goes on to have five more ‘handsome’ sons who scoff 3kg of chicken nuggets at one sitting

‘Beautiful’ woman has first child at 16, goes on to have five more ‘handsome’ sons who scoff 3kg of chicken nuggets at one sitting