Man walks away from wife with over Rs 3 crore pension to live solo, but regrets follow

A Japanese man’s retirement dream has turned into a cautionary tale after he chose to ditch family life for solitude, only to discover that independence came with unexpected struggles.

Tetsu Yamada, who retired at 60 with nearly Rs 2.96 crore (50 million yen) in pension savings, suggested to his wife, Keiko, that they move back to his hometown for a simpler life. But Keiko, a homemaker long used to Tokyo’s bustle, refused. Their two grown-up sons also stayed back in the city.

As tensions rose, Keiko floated the idea of sotsukon, a Japanese concept that allows couples to live separately within marriage. First popularised in 2004 by a female writer, the idea appealed to Yamada as a lighter alternative to divorce.


According to the South China Morning Post, Yamada poured his savings into renovating his countryside home, imagining a peaceful second life that “men long for.” But without Keiko by his side, the dream quickly unravelled.

He struggled with daily chores, relying on instant noodles and frozen vegetables. Cooking, cleaning, and running the household proved harder than he ever expected.

While Yamada battled loneliness, Keiko’s life blossomed. Back in Tokyo, she launched a handmade workshop that gained popularity, something Yamada discovered through social media.

“It seems that even without me, she looks very happy,” he admitted, adding that he now felt isolated and regretted his choice.

The couple still speak occasionally online, but Yamada’s relationship with his sons has reportedly broken down. Whether he will return to Tokyo remains uncertain.

As Yamada’s story went viral, many online weighed in on the trend. “Yamada thought he was starting a second life, but without life skills, leaving his family turned out to be a disaster,” one user commented. Another wrote: “Let’s wish Keiko well. She finally has the freedom to live for herself.”

Yamada’s failed experiment has not only sparked sympathy but also raised questions about the limits of sotsukon, and whether living apart in marriage truly guarantees happiness.

Inputs from agencies