Japanese man gave wife the silent treatment for 20 years

A JAPANESE man engaged in an epic sulk and refused to talk to his wife for 20 years after she upset him despite still living together.

Otou Yumi finally talks to his wife at a park in Nara, southern Japan. Picture: Hokkaido TV

A JAPANESE man engaged in a sulk of epic proportions after refusing to talk to his wife for 20 years despite living in the same house as her.

Otou Yumi shared the home with his wife, Katayama, and their three children in Nara, southern Japan.

The couple’s children watch the exchange. Picture: Hokkaido TV

Katayama tried making conversation but only ever received a nod or a grunt in response, Mail Online reported.

The two-decade long silent treatment was revealed by the couple’s son Yoshiki, 18, who wrote to a TV show asking them to intervene.

The show brought the pair together at a nearby park as their children watched on from a distance.

“You were so concerned about the kids,” her husband responds, adding. “Yumi up until now, you have endured a lot of hardship. I want you to know I’m grateful for everything.”

Otou said he had been giving his wife the cold shoulder out of jealously for the attention lavished on the children. Picture: Hokkaido TV

As their daughters are seen becoming emotional, Otou goes on to explain that he has been giving her the cold shoulder out of jealously for the attention lavished on the children.

“I was kind of ... jealous. I was sulking about it. There’s no going back now I guess.”

Their daughters are seen becoming emotional. Picture: Hokkaido TV Toilet Seat to the Silent Treatment: What Drives Couples Apart