Japan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, has officially moved into the country’s historic official residence, a site known for its purported ghostly inhabitants. The transition took place on Monday, over two months after her appointment. Takaichi, who is Japan’s first female prime minister, had been residing in accommodations for members of parliament but faced criticism for the lengthy 35-minute commute to her office following a significant earthquake in early December.
The prime minister’s new residence, constructed in 1929, is located in central Tokyo and is adjacent to her offices. Its architectural style draws inspiration from the now-demolished Imperial Hotel, designed by renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The residence is not only notable for its design but also for its tumultuous history, having been the site of two attempted coups in the 1930s. During this period, several high-ranking officials, including a prime minister, were assassinated by military officers.
Takaichi, 64, has made headlines with her commitment to an intense work ethic, vowing to “work, work, work, work and work.” Since taking office, she has reported sleeping only two to four hours each night due to her demanding schedule. The prime minister’s new home, with its haunted reputation, may add to her challenges in achieving restful sleep.
The residence is said to be haunted by the spirits of those involved in the violent events of the 1930s. According to local lore, at least one bullet hole from that era remains, and many believe the ghosts of the assassinated officials still wander the halls. Takaichi’s predecessor, Shigeru Ishiba, also resided in the mansion and expressed no fear of the supposed ghosts. In contrast, former prime ministers Fumio Kishida and Shinzo Abe, who was Takaichi’s mentor, reported no encounters with the supernatural.
After Kishida, the residence was unoccupied for nine years until Takaichi’s recent move. Her arrival has reignited interest in the building’s eerie reputation, with many curious about whether she will experience any unusual occurrences during her time there.
As Takaichi embarks on her new chapter in the prime minister’s residence, the balance between her ambitious governance and the weight of its haunted history will be closely observed. The prime minister’s commitment to her work and her ability to adapt to her new surroundings will define her leadership in the coming months.
