Stories

Thu, 29 Oct 2026

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 'I live with a ghost': Japan's haunted homes attract bargain hunters

Properties where someone has died in tragic circumstances can have big reductions in price.

* Ryua, a young Japanese entertainer, shares her Tokyo apartment with a ghost who she believes was a former occupant who took his own life.
* The previous occupant's death is not uncommon in Japan, where properties with a history of violent or tragic circumstances are known as "jiko bukken" and can be sold or rented at a discount.
* In Japan, estate agents are required to disclose information about the property's past, including deaths, but there is no such requirement in many Western countries.
* Ryua pays around 30% less rent for her apartment than she would have if it hadn't been marked as a "jiko bukken".
* Diane Tincher, an American expat, bought a house in rural Japan at a significant discount due to the previous occupant's death, and now believes that the ghost is watching over her.
* Oshimaland, a website that lists jiko bukken properties, has seen increased interest from buyers and renters looking for affordable options.