Born into a single-parent household, Matsubara learned the value of frugality early. (Representational image from Unsplash)
In the bustling heart of Tokyo, 56-year-old Koichi Matsubara leads a life that defies appearances. Despite earning an impressive 30 million yen (Rs 1.63 crore) annually from rental income and investments, Matsubara continues to work as a janitor—by choice, according to a report by South China Morning Post.
For three days a week, Matsubara can be found sweeping public areas and fixing light bulbs in an apartment complex, earning 100,000 yen (Rs 54,000) a month. It’s a fraction of Tokyo’s average monthly salary of 350,000 yen (Rs 1.9 lakh), but for him, the work is not about money—it’s about meaning.
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“I wake up, clean, and make everything neat. It feels really good,” Matsubara told SCMP, describing how the routine keeps him active and mentally centred.
Born into a single-parent household, Matsubara learned the value of frugality early. After finishing secondary school, he worked in a factory earning 180,000 yen (Rs 97,000) per month, saving meticulously until he had three million yen (Rs 16 lakh) — enough to buy his first studio apartment.
“The housing market had bottomed out then. I made sure my unit was never vacant and repaid the loan early,” he recalled as quoted by SCMP. One smart purchase led to another. Over the years, Matsubara expanded his portfolio to seven rental properties across Tokyo and its suburbs, supplementing his real estate income with strategic stock and fund investments.
Despite his millionaire status, Matsubara leads a minimalist life. He lives in a small apartment, cooks simple meals, and hasn’t bought new clothes in over a decade. He rides a bicycle instead of owning a car and uses a basic smartphone.
“I’ve always hoped to live off my own assets,” he told SCMP. “But more than money, I value health and having something to do each day.”
His life mirrors a growing trend in Japan, where older citizens embrace unconventional lifestyles that prioritise purpose over luxury. One famous example is the 75-year-old dubbed the “God of Freebies,” who has lived for a decade using only coupons and stockholder perks, despite holding assets worth more than 100 million yen (Rs 5.4 crore).
For Matsubara, the philosophy is simple: “I don’t want to show off my wealth. I just want to live well, stay healthy, and keep thinking for myself.”
AloJapan.com