Nice to meet you! Here is “50s Investor Japan｜Real Money Insights”

Through main job, index investment, and diligent household budgeting, I’ve reached a personal milestone—building 100 million yen in assets.

I’ve worked in banking for 30 years, including expatriate in overseas, but I haven’t done anything extraordinary.

This blog is all about sharing the journey of how even an ordinary office worker can steadily build wealth.

🔹 About Me

I’m 52 years old, with three decades of experience in banking.

I live with my wife and two children, and I’m still working full-time while preparing for a future as a freelancer.

Growing up, I moved schools often due to my father’s job transfers. I was passionate about baseball, though sometimes I wish I’d read more books back then.

Still, I believe “the moment you realize something is important is the moment to start,” and I continue learning every day.

🔹 My Relationship with Money

My parents sent all three of us kids to private universities, which taught me the true value of money.

Since my university days, I’ve learned the value of money by earning up to ¥200,000 a month from part-time jobs.

I started my career with just ¥100,000 in savings.

By combining the power of earning, saving, and investing, I’ve steadily built my assets.

Earning: Full-time job + side hustles (still exploring)

Saving: Budgeting + smart lifestyle habits

Investing: Growing wealth through the market

🔹 Saving Power: Budgeting + Lifestyle Habits

Time in life is limited.

From the perspectives of health, money, relationships, work, family, and hobbies, I’ve clarified what truly matters to me.

I optimize my daily routines, budgeting, and lifestyle habits to align with those values.

＜Daily Routine＞

✅ Wake up early
✅ Walk, run, or do strength training
✅ Check financial news
✅ Write blog posts & update X (Twitter)
✅ Read random Wikipedia articles for 5 minutes (using WikiTok)
✅ Bring a water bottle and rice balls from home
✅ Commute in sneakers
✅ Read during commute
✅ Stretching
✅ Quality time with family
✅ Wear a mouthguard at bedtime

＜Budgeting＞

✅ Visualize household finances with Money Forward
✅ Organize bank accounts and credit cards
✅ Use hometown tax donations & medical expense deductions
✅ Review subscriptions
✅ Maintain a cash flow chart
（annual asset goals up to age 100, updated daily to engrain in my mind → “Thoughts become reality”）
✅ Use low-cost SIM cards
✅ Sell unused items on Mercari
✅ Avoid transfer fees

＜Lifestyle Habits＞

✅ Use 1Password to manage IDs and passwords
✅ Own a personal PC
✅ Avoid convenience stores & vending machines
✅ Regular dental cleanings
✅ Keep things tidy and organized
✅ Say no to unnecessary obligations & drinking parties
✅ Shop at UNIQLO & Workman
✅ Visit a chiropractor
✅ Get regular health checkups

🔹 Growing Power: Investing

I’m building my assets primarily through index investing, while also incorporating Japanese government bonds for individuals.

I’m currently researching high-dividend Japanese stocks as well.

To maximize efficiency, I focus on cost optimization through:

Low-fee online banks and brokerages (Rakuten, SBI)
Low-cost index funds (S&P 500, All Country Index)

🔹 Goals Going Forward

After spending 10 years working overseas, I’ve come to truly value time with family and loved ones.

Lately, I’ve found myself wanting fewer material things. A car is just a way to get around, and a home only needs to be comfortable and functional.

Even after building a decent amount of assets, my lifestyle hasn’t changed—I still bring a water bottle and homemade rice balls to work.

More than anything, I’ve come to find happiness in bringing joy to those around me.

From here on, my motto is: “Stay active for life and bring happiness to others.” I aim to create a positive cycle of learning → work → investing → financial well-being.🔹 Growing Power: Investing

🔹 What You’ll Find on This Blog

“I enjoy analyzing numbers” and “Creating cash flow charts is my hobby.”

With 30 years of experience as a banker and having passed sections of the Japanese tax accountant exam (Bookkeeping & Financial Statements), I’m now focusing on practical asset building from my 50s onward.

I share insights and recommendations on: