"Even with a 500 Million Won Pension, It's Ramen Every Day"... Regrets of a Husband Who Chose Jolhon

"Jolhon" on the Rise Among Middle-Aged and Elderly in Japan
Staying Legally Married, Living Separate Lives

A Japanese man who chose "jolhon" (graduation from marriage), a lifestyle in which a couple remains legally married but lives separately, confessed that he now relies on ramen for his daily meals.

The concept of "jolhon" was first introduced in 2004 by author Yumiko Sugiyama in her book "Recommendation for Jolhon." It refers to maintaining a marital relationship while living independently and seeking personal freedom. This lifestyle has become increasingly common among Japan's middle-aged and elderly couples who are looking for a better quality of life in their later years.

A story has emerged about a man in Japan who chose "jolhon" and, despite receiving a pension worth hundreds of millions of won, ended up living a life relying on ramen every day. The photo is an image to help understand the article. Pixabay

On August 17 (local time), the Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported the case of Yamada Tetsu, a Japanese man who retired from his position as an executive in the manufacturing industry. After retirement, he decided to start a second life by moving back to his rural hometown with a pension of 50 million yen (about 470 million won).

He suggested to his wife Keiko that they move to the countryside together, but his wife, who was accustomed to city life, and their two sons, who worked in Tokyo, did not agree. Instead, Keiko proposed "jolhon." Yamada agreed, thinking it was better than divorce. He said he was excited, thinking, "At last, I'm living the second life that men long for."

However, reality was different. Without his wife, household chores such as cooking and cleaning began to pile up. Yamada was unable to handle basic housework and ended up eating ramen and frozen vegetables every day. In contrast, his wife Keiko opened a handmade goods store and was thriving in Tokyo. His sons also did not contact him. Yamada said he regrets his decision and bitterly added, "My family no longer needs me."

In Japan, various forms of married life are spreading, including not only "jolhon" but also "weekend marriage" (living apart during the week and together on weekends) and "separated marriage." Factors behind this trend include differences in living costs and access to medical care between major cities and rural areas, as well as the increasing burden of caring for aging parents. Experts point out that while "jolhon" can serve as an alternative to buffer marital conflict, it can also become a new source of conflict if there is no prior agreement on issues such as residence, finances, caregiving, and relationship management.