No air conditioner, no restaurant meals: 67-year-old man saved nearly ₹4 crore by living frugally, but now regrets it in retirement

For decades, a Japanese man devoted his life to extreme frugality, managing to save 65 million yen (about US$440,000 or Rs 3.90 crore). Today, at 67, with nearly Rs 4 crore in retirement savings still intact, he admits he regrets prioritising money over life’s simple joys, especially after the death of his wife.

The story, reported by South China Morning Post citing Japanese asset management outlet THE GOLD ONLINE, has triggered conversations online about the real cost of relentless saving.

A Life Built on Austerity
Known only by the alias Suzuki, he grew up in poverty and began earning in secondary school by working in restaurants. Once employed full time, he chose a cheap apartment far from work to reduce expenses.

He stuck to homemade meals, often packing bean sprouts and chicken in his lunchbox. For years, he avoided restaurants entirely, cycled or walked instead of using transport, and rarely switched on the air-conditioner to cut down electricity bills.

Family and the Turning Point
Suzuki met his wife at work. She was familiar with his cautious approach to money, and together they raised a child. He admits his saving habits softened slightly after parenthood, but austerity remained a central part of his lifestyle.

Now, after his wife’s passing, Suzuki reflects with regret. “But time cannot be turned back. What is the meaning of life with only money left?” he said, according to THE GOLD ONLINE.

Not an Isolated Story
Japan has seen several such cases of people devoting their lives to extreme thrift. Last year, a 45-year-old man made headlines for saving 135 million yen (about US$910,000 or Rs 8.04 crore) after living frugally for two decades. His meals often consisted of just sour plums, salted vegetables and rice, and sometimes dinner was reduced to a free convenience store energy drink redeemed with points.

Suzuki’s story highlights a dilemma many people face: the balance between securing the future and living in the present. While his disciplined lifestyle gave him financial security, his later reflections remind others that wealth is only meaningful when paired with lived experiences.