The Japanese Prime Minister is moving into a “haunted” official residence


Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi may have more trouble sleeping after moving into the prime minister’s official residence, which is said to house the ghosts of Japanese soldiers from a century ago.

Japan’s first female prime minister moved into a stone-and-brick mansion next to her offices in central Tokyo on Monday, more than two months after taking office.

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This picture taken on December 18, 2025 shows the official residence of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo. Takaichi may have more trouble sleeping after moving into the prime minister’s official residence, which is said to house the ghosts of Japanese soldiers from a century ago.

JIJI PRESS / AFP via Getty Images


She was staying in accommodation for members of parliament, but drew criticism for taking 35 minutes to get to her office after the massive earthquake in early December.

Takaichi, 64, came to power with promises to “work, work, work, work and work,” and since taking office, she has said she is too busy to sleep more than two to four hours a night.

Opened in 1929, its new surroundings — its style inspired by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s now-demolished Imperial Hotel across town — might also keep her awake.)

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Sanae Takaichi in October 2025.

CBS News


It was the site of two coup attempts in the 1930s when young military officers assassinated several high-ranking officials, including the prime minister.

Aside from at least one bullet hole, some believe the ghosts of those involved have been roaming the halls ever since.

Takaichi’s predecessor, Shigeru Ishiba, also lived in the residence, which was renovated in 2005, and said he was not afraid of ghosts.

Before him, Fumio Kishida reported that he saw no phantoms and slept peacefully.

Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe — Takaichi’s former mentor — and Yoshihide Suga lived elsewhere, leaving the alleged ghosts without company for nine years until 2021.



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