A 66-year-old retired man in Japan, identified as Mr. S, recently won a staggering 600 million yen (around RM17 million) lottery jackpot, but instead of transforming his life, the sudden windfall brought stress, anxiety, and strain on his family relationships, according to THE GOLD ONLINE.
Mr. S and his wife, Ms. T, also 66, lived modestly on a monthly retirement pension of about 300,000 yen (roughly RM8,500), with savings of approximately 57 million yen (RM1.6 million) before the jackpot. One day, while reading the newspaper at a café, Mr. S casually purchased a lottery ticket — only to discover he had won the grand prize.
He initially kept the full amount a secret from his family, telling his wife he had only won 5 million yen, which he used as a cover for home renovations. Gradually, he began using the winnings alone, buying a car, renting parking spaces, and making other personal purchases, all while hiding the truth.
Rather than bringing joy, the massive sum led to feelings of isolation and anxiety. Mr. S’s lifestyle and mood were affected: he spent long periods alone shopping, drinking, or lounging in pajamas all day. The mounting psychological pressure eventually forced him to seek professional help.
THE GOLD ONLINE noted that sudden wealth can generate stress, tension, and disruption in daily life. Mr. S’s story illustrates that while unexpected riches may solve financial problems, they can also become a significant emotional burden.
