The Surprising Reason Why a Man in Japan Didn't Speak to His Wife for 20 Years

16.10.2025 - 17:16

Source: https://onedio.com/haber/tek-kelime-dahi...

The secret to staying happy in marriage is always a topic of debate. Most of the time, we say that good communication is essential. However, a story from Japan completely shattered this perception. A man named Otou Katayama did not utter a single word to his wife Yumi for a full 20 years. They lived in the same house, ate at the same table, but the years passed in silence, leaving everyone astounded. Even more intriguing was the reason behind this silence, which was far different from what you might think.

The silence that began in 1997 transformed the lives of the Katayama family in ways they could never have imagined.

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Otou Katayama completely ceased speaking to his wife. Even though he continued to live in the same house with his children and Yumi, their communication was limited to gestures and facial expressions only. He would nod his head to show approval, and express his displeasure by grumbling.

On the other hand, Yumi Katayama didn't hear a single word from her husband for years. Despite this, she never considered divorce. In fact, they even welcomed a third child into their family during this period. As the children grew older, they realized that there had never been a real conversation between their parents.

After the passage of many years, Katayama finally broke his silence and revealed the reason behind it.

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According to what he said, his wife Yumi was completely focused on their children. He felt that he was not receiving the attention he deserved. At first, he was hurt in silence, which then turned into jealousy. He admitted that he was uncomfortable with her being so involved with the children.

What he initially thought would be a short-term grudge turned into a habit over time. So much so, that he couldn't break the silence for years. This process was also challenging for the children. All they could remember was the figure of parents who never spoke to each other.

Two decades later, the children, now grown-ups, sprang into action.

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They applied to a television program to put an end to the situation. Hokkaido Television invited the parents to the park where they first met. The Katayama couple reunited there, while their children and the viewers watched on.

Initially struggling, Otou Katayama finally broke his silence. He admitted that he had upset his wife with his years of silence. Despite the difficulties, he thanked Yumi for standing by his side. Yumi, on the other hand, lived the moment she had been waiting for years in tears. Thus, a silence that lasted a full 20 years ended live on air.