Study Buddy (Explorer): Japan’s ‘God of Freebies’ never uses money
Each week, this page presents a light article with questions to test your comprehension.
Hiroto Kiritani, dubbed the “God of Freebies”, has been using coupons and free offers instead of money for a decade. Photo: QQ.comContent provided by British Council
Read the following text, and answer questions 1-9 below:
[1] A 75-year-old Japanese man dubbed the “God of Freebies” has shocked and amused many online 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.
[2] Hiroto Kiritani, who holds stocks in more than 1,000 companies and boasts a net worth exceeding 100 million yen (HK$4,993,175 or US$637,000), started his career as a professional shogi player and was once invited to teach the Japanese version of chess at a securities firm. Through observation and quick learning at the company, he amassed his first 100 million yen in the stock market.
[3] By mid-2024, his wealth ballooned to nearly 600 million yen (HK$29,959,050 or US$3.8 million), so much so that he reportedly has found cash scattered in corners of his home. However, 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.
[4] His living space resembles a cluttered storeroom rather than a luxurious home. Kiritani’s freebie transformation began after he lost 200 million yen (HK$9,986,350 or US$1.3 million) in the 2008 stock market crash.
[5] Determined never to waste money again, he meticulously began collecting coupons and shareholder benefits from the more than 1,000 companies he held stocks in. These companies span food, clothing and entertainment. His daily schedule is a race against time to redeem coupons before they expire.
[6] Kiritani’s day starts with him speeding 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 and sauna services, sings in karaoke bars and has even gone bungee jumping and ridden roller coasters – all because they are free.
[7] He receives more than 300 movie vouchers yearly and can watch up to 140 films annually, surpassing 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.”
[8] 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 also written books and appeared on television to share his tips on frugal living, inspiring young people to make the most of their resources.
[9] Chinese netizens have shared their thoughts. One said: “Being forced to exercise because of free gym coupons cracked me up!” Another added: “If something makes you a better person, it is worth doing.”
Source: South China Morning Post, January 2
Questions
1. How does the man’s lifestyle contrast with his wealth, according to paragraph 1?
2. In paragraph 2, what is shogi?
3. Based on paragraph 3, how does Kiritani typically travel?
4. Kiritani … in 2008.
A. bought a new home
B. was in a car accident
C. lost a lot of money
D. lived in a storeroom
5. Why does Kiritani “race against time” to redeem coupons?
6. Decide whether the following statements about Kiritani in paragraphs 6 and 7 are True, False or the information is Not Given. Fill in ONE circle only for each statement. (4 marks)
(i) He enjoys watching films.
(ii) His family often accompanies him when he sings karaoke using coupons.
(iii) Kiritani has gone bungee jumping using coupons.
(iv) Kiritani redeems coupons for activities he may not enjoy.
7. According to paragraph 7, Kiritani watches … professional critics do in a year.
A. as many films as
B. more films than
C. fewer films than
D. none of the above
8. In paragraph 8, the phrase “maximising the value of every coupon” means
A. using coupons to get the best deals
B. becoming famous for collecting coupons
C. selling coupons for profit
D. teaching people how to collect coupons
9. Find a phrase in paragraph 9 that means someone or something made you “laugh very hard”.
Answers
1. Despite being wealthy, with millions of yen, he lives a frugal life and takes advantage of coupons and free offers. (accept all similar answers)
2. The Japanese version of chess
3. By bicycle (which he bought with coupons)
4. C
5. Because coupons have expiration dates
6. (i) F; (ii) NG; (iii) T; (iv) T
7. B
8. A
9. Cracked me up