Japanese man ‘graduates from marriage’ with Rs 2.95 crore pension but ends up eating instant noodles every day

A Japanese man who chose to “graduate from marriage” with his wife ended up regretting the decision after finding himself living alone and eating instant noodles daily, despite having a sizeable pension.

The concept of sotsukon, which means “marriage graduation”, has been gaining attention in Japan. It refers to couples who stay legally married but live separately to enjoy more independence and freedom. First introduced by a female writer in 2004, the idea has grown popular among middle-aged and elderly couples seeking personal fulfilment later in life, SCMP reported.

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But one man’s story shows the lifestyle is not for everyone.

According to The Gold Online, in late July, 60-year-old Tetsu Yamada retired from a manufacturing job in Tokyo with a 50-million-yen (Rs 2.95 crore) pension and extra savings. He suggested moving with his wife, Keiko, to his empty family home in the countryside.

However, Keiko, who is used to the conveniences of city life, refused. Their two sons, both working in Tokyo, also could not relocate.

So, Keiko proposed sotsukon. Yamada agreed, thinking it was easier than divorce. He moved back to the countryside, used his pension to renovate the house and looked forward to what he called “the second life men long for.”

However, life without his wife proved difficult. With no experience in cooking or housework, Yamada survived on instant noodles and frozen vegetables. Meanwhile, Keiko thrived in Tokyo as she started a handmade workshop and shared her successes online.

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“It seems that even without me, she looks very happy,” Yamada admitted, adding that he rarely speaks with his sons and often feels lonely.

His experience has sparked debate on social media. One user wrote, “Yamada thought he was starting a second life, but without life skills, leaving his family turned out to be a disaster.” Another said, “Let’s wish Keiko well. She no longer has to care for others and can focus on her own hobbies.”