New Delhi, Aug. 16 -- In Japan, a man named Tetsu Yamada chose to stay separately from his wife. But, the plan backfired.

In Japan, the concept is called sotsukon. In this, couples stay married but live apart for freedom. The idea, first introduced in 2004, has become common among older couples.

Yamada retired at 60 after working in manufacturing and received a 50 million yen (nearly Rs.3 crore) pension along with savings. He wanted to move with his wife Keiko to his rural hometown. Their old family house was still in good condition.

Keiko, used to city life in Tokyo, refused. Their two sons also lived and worked in Tokyo. Instead, she suggested sotsukon, which Yamada accepted as easier than divorce. However, his new life did not turn ...