Japanese father lied about poverty, son severed ties after discovering millions in assets

A Japanese father's decision to maintain a facade of poverty for his son, despite a substantial income, has led to a complete breakdown in their relationship. Masao (pseudonym), a 67-year-old retired executive, consistently told his son, Koki (pseudonym), that the family lacked funds, leading Koki to live a life of extreme frugality.

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Dad doesn't have no money. He just doesn't have 'money he's willing to spend on me.'

Koki's childhood was marked by secondhand clothes and limited access to entertainment, fostering a deep-seated belief in his family's financial struggles. This perception heavily influenced his university choices. He wanted to study engineering at a private university but was told by his father that the family couldn't afford it, pushing him to attend a national university instead. When he eventually pursued a private university, he had to take out student loans and work extensively, sacrificing social activities and study abroad opportunities.

Years later, after Masao's retirement, Koki discovered the truth. His father, who had earned a peak annual income exceeding 12 million yen (approximately $240,000), had accumulated significant assets, including savings, investments, and a fully paid-off mortgage. Masao also received a substantial retirement pension and had a combined monthly income of 260,000 yen from his and his wife's pensions. This revelation left Koki feeling deeply betrayed.

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Why are you so angry?

Koki confronted his father, expressing his hurt over the years of humiliation, the lost opportunities due to constant work, and the ongoing burden of student loan repayments. Masao, however, defended his actions, framing Koki's childhood hardships as a form of education and comparing him to others who financed their education through loans. He also argued that he was a better parent than those who leave their children with financial burdens. This lack of understanding and justification from his father led Koki to cut off all contact, concluding that his father simply didn't value spending money on him.

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Enduring childhood is education. Many people pay for university with loans. Isn't it better than being a parent with no savings who burdens their children in the end?