A 67-year-old Japanese man known only as Suzuki says he now regrets spending decades living frugally after realizing that the large savings he accumulated could never replace the precious time he lost with his late wife.
Born into a poor family, Suzuki began earning his own money in high school by working part-time in restaurants. Even after securing a full-time job, he chose to rent a cheap apartment far from his office to save money.
He cooked his own meals and brought a packed lunch to work every day, usually bean sprouts and chicken, while living an extremely frugal lifestyle. To cut electricity bills, he rarely used air conditioning, walked or cycled instead of driving, and almost never dined out.
His wife, who was also his co-worker, accepted his habits. After their child was born, Suzuki loosened his savings routine slightly — but he still never bought a house or car. Through strict discipline, he managed to save 35 million yen (about RM1.13 million) and at age 60 withdrew part of his pension to invest, growing his assets to 65 million yen (about RM2.08 million).
“This money was meant as a safety net for emergencies and old age,” he said.
But soon after retiring, his wife died from a serious illness at age 66.
“I had hoped to travel with her and eat out more often, but time cannot be turned back. What is the meaning of life if only money remains?” he reflected.
Suzuki’s story highlights the culture of extreme frugality in Japan. Last year, another man, aged 45, drew attention for saving for over 20 years, amassing 135 million yen (about RM4.3 million) while subsisting daily on rice, pickled vegetables and a single sour plum.
