A 72-year-old man in Tokyo, Japan, was so frugal that he refused to use air conditioning even during the sweltering summer heat, which ultimately led to his tragic death from heatstroke. Afterward, his son discovered that he had savings amounting to 24.8 million yen (about 700,000 ringgit), and lamented that if his father had spent a little more on himself, perhaps he would not have passed away.
According to Japanese media outlet 'THE GOLD ONLINE,' the man’s son, Kenta Sato (alias), said his father lived in Tokyo’s Adachi Ward and for many years believed that 'air conditioning costs are too expensive,' 'using AC is wasteful,' and 'air conditioning isn’t good for your health.' Even when summer temperatures were unbearable, he would still refuse to turn on the AC.
His son repeatedly tried to persuade him, but to no avail, and unfortunately tragedy struck in June this year.
While sorting through his late father’s belongings, Kenta Sato suddenly found three moldy, yellowing passbooks, totaling an impressive 24.8 million yen in deposits, which deeply shocked the family.
It turned out these savings were accumulated over many years through pension and fixed deposits. Kenta Sato said he himself is not in a good economic situation, but every year he would still give his father a 300,000 yen (about 8,500 ringgit) filial support allowance—only to find out his father saved every penny and never used the money.
Kenta Sato broke down on the spot, saying that if his father had been willing to spend more on himself, this tragedy might have been avoided.