FPJ News Service Mumbai

A man in Japan chose to “graduate from marriage,” living a single life with a 50-million-yen (US$340,000) pension, but ended up eating instant noodles every day.Graduating from marriage, or “sotsukon” in Japanese, is when couples remain married but choose to live separately in pursuit of independence.

First introduced by a Japanese female writer in 2004, it is reportedly becoming more common among middle-aged and elderly couples seeking a better quality of life in their later years. Many choose this lifestyle to resolve differing values or relieve life stresses.

However, a man’s predicament recently brought the trend back into the media spotlight, sparking discussions over whether it is suitable for everyone.

In late July, The Gold Online reported that Tetsu Yamada lived in a bustling area of Tokyo with his wife and two sons.

Working in the manufacturing industry, he rose to management a few years ago. His wife, Keiko, was a homemaker.

After retiring at 60 years old, Yamada received a 50-million-yen pension and had additional savings, securing his family’s financial future.

He proposed to Keiko that they move to his rural hometown for a simple, modest life.

Yamada mentioned that after his parents passed away, the family home had been empty but was in good condition. However, Keiko rejected the proposal. Having grown up in Tokyo, she was accustomed to the conveniences of city life. 

Keiko then suggested sotsukon, the idea of “marriage graduation.” Yamada agreed, thinking it was a simpler option compared to divorce.

He moved back to the countryside alone, using his pension to renovate his house and planned to enjoy a peaceful life. “I’m finally ready to begin the second life men long for,” Yamada said.

But without his wife handling the housework, he struggled with basic tasks like cooking and cleaning, reportedly relying on instant noodles and frozen vegetables every day. He saw on social media that Keiko had opened a handmade workshop in Tokyo and was thriving.

“It seems that even without me, she looks very happy,” he said. Yamada admitted feeling lonely and regretting his decision and noted that his family no longer needed him. It is unclear if he plans to return to Tokyo to live with his family again. His story has prompted a rethink on social media about the sotsukon trend.