Mr. S, a retired factory worker, recently won a staggering 600 million yen jackpot. Instead of sharing the news with his wife, he chose to keep his newfound fortune a secret, fearing she would maintain their strict spending habits. This decision plunged him into a double life, ultimately leading to psychological distress despite his lavish solo pursuits.

Prior to his win, Mr. S and his wife lived a frugal life in Tokyo, a city known for its high cost of living. Their combined monthly income was 300.000 yen, and over many years, they managed to save only about 27 million yen. His wife had previously restricted his beer consumption and insisted he use an old oto.

A life-changing moment occurred when Mr. S purchased several lottery tickets at his usual cafe. "The sum was so immense it frightened me; the odds of winning are lower than being struck by lightning", he told the media in mid-November. He informed his wife he had won only 5 million yen (32.000 USD), which he claimed he would use for home repairs.

People buying lottery tickets at a store in Japan. Photo: SCMP

With his secret fortune, Mr. S embarked on a luxurious double life. He purchased a new oto, booked premium hot spring resort packages, and traveled extensively throughout Japan. Within 6 months, he spent 18 million yen.

To avoid detection, he continued to wear old clothes and took the subway to a remote parking lot before driving his new oto. He also minimized contact with friends, further isolating himself.

However, this secretive lifestyle quickly plunged him into psychological distress. During his lavish solo trips, observing other families enjoying their time together, he was reminded of his own father, who had passed away in solitude and poverty.

Money, when not shared with loved ones, only brought a sense of guilt. Mr. S became so despondent that he spent entire days in his pajamas. "If this money had come from my own efforts, I would have been very proud. However, this stroke of luck only brought back unpleasant memories and disrupted my life", he stated.

Following consultation with an expert, Mr. S decided to invest the remaining 500 million yen in insurance, naming his wife and child as beneficiaries. His story garnered significant attention in Japan, serving as a cautionary tale: sudden wealth does not always bring happiness, often creating conflicts in life's values when sharing is absent.

Nhat Minh (According to The Gold Online, SCMP)