Kiritani, 75, has been dubbed “God of Freebies” due to his love of free offers and coupon deals. - Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/QQ.com
TOKYO: A 75-year-old Japanese man, dubbed the “God of Freebies,” has shocked and amused Chinese netizens with his frugal lifestyle.
The elderly man takes advantage of every coupon and free offer available, despite earning hundreds of millions of yen from the stock market.
Hiroto Kiritani, who holds stocks in more than 1,000 companies and boasts a net worth exceeding 100 million yen (US$637,000), started his career as a professional shogi player and was once invited to teach the Japanese form of chess at a securities firm.
There, through observation and quick learning, he amassed his first 100 million yen in the stock market.
By mid-2024, his wealth had ballooned to nearly 600 million yen (US$3.8 million), to the extent that he reportedly finds cash scattered in corners of his home.
Despite his wealth, Kiritani maintains a frugal lifestyle.
He wears basic clothes, avoids luxury brands, and travels only by bicycle, which he acquired with coupons.
His living space, though larger now, resembles a cluttered storeroom rather than a luxurious home.
Kiritani’s freebie transformation began after he lost 200 million yen in the 2008 stock market crash.
Determined never to waste money again, he meticulously began collecting coupons and shareholder benefits from the more than 1,000 companies in which he held stocks, including in the food, clothing and entertainment sectors.
His daily schedule is a race against time to redeem coupons before they expire.
Kiritani’s day starts early as he speeds through Tokyo on his coupon-bought bicycle, visiting restaurants for free meals.
His pursuit of freebies extends to activities he has no interest in.
He redeems gym memberships, film tickets, sauna services, sings in karaoke bars, and even participates in bungee jumping and roller coasters - all because they are free.
He receives more than 300 movie vouchers each year and can watch up to 140 films annually, surpassing that of many professional film critics.
However, he often has no idea what the movies are about, simply finding that the theatre seats help him sleep.
Kiritani’s philosophy is straightforward: “Letting coupons expire is shameful.”
The joy of maximising the value of every coupon has brought purpose and excitement to his later years.
His unconventional lifestyle has turned him into an online sensation.
Kiritani has written books and appeared on TV to share his tips on frugal living, inspiring young people to make the most of their resources.
His story, reported the Chinese WeMedia outlet, Ins Daily, has amused and shocked netizens.
One person said: “Being forced to exercise because of free gym coupons really cracked me up!”
“Chinese companies should learn from this. If stock prices drop, at least offer coupons as a shareholder benefit!” said another.
While a third added: “If something makes you a better person, it is worth doing.” - South China Morning Post/ANN
