Japanese Man Works As Janitor Despite Earning S$262K Yearly From Investments

Would you still continue to work a regular job if you were to earn over S$260K annually in passive income? 

It's a yes for a man from Japan, who has gone viral for working as a janitor despite earning over 30mil yen (S$262K) yearly in passive income from investments and rental properties. 

According to Japanese media, Koichi Matsubara, 56, works four-hour shifts thrice a week, cleaning common areas and performing basic maintenance work in a Tokyo apartment block. 

His monthly salary is 100,000 yen (S$875), which is way under Tokyo’s average of 350,000 yen (S$3,062). 

He was raised in a single-parent household where money was tight, and had always hoped to live off his own assets. After finishing secondary school, he got a job as a factory worker, earning a modest monthly salary of 180,000 yen (S$1,574). 

Matsubara was very frugal with his money. Within a few years, he had saved around 3mil yen (S$26,246), and was able to purchase a studio flat. 

Matsubara, who recalled the housing market being at a low back then, said: “I took steps to avoid vacancy and paid off the mortgage early, gradually increasing my properties.”

With smart planning, Matsubara now owns seven rental flats in Tokyo and its suburbs. He also has investments in stocks and funds.

He could easily live a cushy life now, but Matsubara has maintained a simple and thrifty lifestyle. 

He lives in an affordable flat, makes his own meals at home, owns a basic smartphone, and prefers cycling for transportation. He has also not bought any new clothes for over a decade. 

Matsubara is happy to be in his unassuming job as it helps him remain active and stay mentally sharp and healthy. For him, it’s no longer about the salary he earns. 

“Every morning, I wake up, clean, and make everything neat. It feels really good,” he said. 

According to reports, he will receive his pension when he turns 60, and wishes to simply live a purposeful life without flaunting his wealth. 

“I hope to have something to do every day, stay healthy, and think for myself,” he added. 

Netizens were impressed by Matsubara’s story, with many praising him for his money-management skills and his outlook in life. Dubbed an “invisible millionaire”, he was also commended for staying active and putting his health first despite already attaining his financial goals.