NARA (JAPAN): Most couples have experienced a long and awkward period of silence after a row it is unlikely to compare to a husband and wife who have not spoken for two decades - but continue to live with each other.

Yes, it seems incredible sulk, but Otou Katayama and Katayama Yumi, from Nara, southern Japan, continues to live with his three children and wife, Yumi, who perseveres in making conversation with him but has only ever received a nod or a grunt in response for 20 years.

The Japanese couple's silence was revealed by their 18-year-old son Yoshiki, who wrote into a TV show asking them to fix the situation as he had never heard them have a conversation. Man finally talks to wife after over twenty years of silence

Otou and Katayama Yumi did not speak for 20 years because he was jealous. Husband Otou felt that her attention and care was honed entirely on their kids.

Otou Yumi continues to live with his wife, Katayama, who perseveres in making conversation with him but has only ever received a nod or a grunt in response for 20 years.

A meet was arranged in the park where they had their first date - and it worked.