Hiroto Kiritani, a 75-year-old Japanese millionaire, has captured the attention of social media with his remarkable commitment to living frugally, despite his considerable wealth.
Dubbed the “god of freebies,” Kiritani’s story has gone viral, celebrated for its mix of eccentricity, humor, and ingenuity.
His frugal lifestyle began after the 2008 stock market crash, which cost him 200 million yen. To ensure he would never waste money again, he began collecting coupons and shareholder perks from the companies in which he invested.
This habit evolved into a daily ritual. His mornings are spent riding a bicycle funded by coupons, followed by visits to restaurants offering free meals.
Kiritani’s passion for freebies goes beyond food. He redeems gym memberships, movie tickets, and even participates in activities like bungee jumping—simply because they are free.
With over 300 movie vouchers each year, he watches up to 140 films, though often, his primary goal is to nap in a comfy theater seat.
His frugality has not only brought him personal satisfaction but also made him a beloved online figure. Through books and TV appearances, Kiritani shares his strategies for maximizing resources, inspiring younger generations to rethink their approach to money.
Kiritani’s wealth comes from owning shares in over 1,000 companies, with a net worth surpassing 100 million yen (about Rs 5.29 million). By mid-2024, his fortune had ballooned to nearly 600 million yen (Rs 315.4 million), according to the South China Morning Post.
Interestingly, Kiritani started his career as a professional shogi player, a Japanese version of chess. His success in the game led him to teach at a securities firm, where he first developed an interest in the stock market. By keenly observing the markets and learning quickly, he earned his first 100 million yen through trading.
