Japan man saves US$440,000 by avoiding air conditioner use, dining out, regrets in retirement
Office worker who travelled on foot or on a bicycle always chose the cheapest routes for trips, counts cost after wife dies
A 67-year-old Japanese man who has focused on saving money for decades, including not using an air-conditioner and shunning restaurant meals, says he regrets doing so after his wife died.
Known by the alias Suzuki, the man has trended on social media after it was reported by the asset management news outlet THE GOLD ONLINE.
Suzuki was born into a poor family and started to earn money in secondary school when he worked part-time in restaurants.
After getting a full-time job, he rented a cheap flat far away from his office.
Suzuki cooked for himself and took a lunchbox to the office every day, usually containing bean sprouts and chicken.
He has lived an extremely frugal life for years.
To save on electricity costs, he seldom used the air conditioner. He walked or rode a bike to travel, and he had never eaten in a restaurant.
His wife was a colleague who knew his personality. After their child was born, Suzuki said he was not as good at saving money as before.