A Japanese man’s dream of a quiet rural retirement backfired, leaving him lonely while his wife flourished independently in the city.
A 60-year-old Japanese man named Tetsu Yamada took his ₹3 crore retirement pension to start a new life in his rural hometown, separate from his wife. But his dream of a peaceful retirement quickly soured, leaving him isolated and regretful, while his wife thrives on her own in Tokyo. This cautionary tale highlights a growing trend in Japan where couples "graduate from marriage."
The Plan That Went Wrong
Upon retiring from a manufacturing job, Yamada received a hefty 50 million yen (nearly ₹3 crore) pension. He envisioned a quiet life with his wife, Keiko, in his rural hometown. But Keiko, accustomed to city life in Tokyo where their sons also live, refused to move. As a compromise, she suggested "sotsukon," a Japanese concept where married couples live apart to pursue their own interests. Yamada agreed, seeing it as an easier path than divorce.
Yamada poured his savings into renovating his family home, but his solo life unraveled quickly. Unaccustomed to household chores, he reportedly struggled with simple tasks and lived on instant meals. Meanwhile, Keiko flourished in Tokyo, successfully running her own handmade workshop. "It seems that, even without me, she looks very happy," Yamada admitted, expressing deep feelings of loneliness and regret.
A Growing Trend of Marital Independence
Yamada’s story sheds light on the growing trend of "sotsukon," or "graduating from marriage," which has gained traction among older couples in Japan. A 2014 survey revealed that over 56% of married Japanese women were interested in the arrangement, often after their husbands retire. The primary motivation is the desire for personal freedom and a life not centered on caring for a husband's daily needs.
"Living apart would make us appreciate and like each other more," one woman said in the survey, explaining the appeal of having her own space while remaining married.
Public Reaction and an Uncertain Future
The story has sparked widespread discussion online. Some commenters noted that Yamada's plan was doomed without basic life skills, while many others praised Keiko for embracing her independence. "Let’s wish Keiko well," one user wrote. "She no longer has to care for others and can focus on her own hobbies."
As for Yamada, he feels his family no longer needs him, and it remains unclear if he will ever return to the city to live with them. His experience serves as a stark reminder that a retirement plan needs more than just money to succeed.
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