Japan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, has officially moved into the prime minister’s residence in Tokyo, a site steeped in history and folklore. This transition occurred on March 15, 2023, more than two months after she assumed office. Takaichi, who is Japan’s first female prime minister, had previously been residing in parliamentary accommodations, drawing criticism for the lengthy commute to her office during a significant earthquake in early December 2022.
The official residence, a stone-and-brick mansion completed in 1929, has a design influenced by the now-demolished Imperial Hotel created by renowned U.S. architect Frank Lloyd Wright. While Takaichi may be focused on her responsibilities, the residence’s history may add a layer of intrigue. It has been linked to two attempted coups in the 1930s, resulting in the assassinations of top officials, including a prime minister. Consequently, some believe that the spirits of those involved linger in the hallways.
Takaichi, aged 64, has publicly stated her commitment to intense work, often managing only two to four hours of sleep each night since her inauguration. She has pledged to “work, work, work, work and work” as she navigates the demands of her role.
Historical Context
The prime minister’s residence is not just a home but a site with a rich and sometimes unsettling history. It is rumored to contain at least one bullet hole from the violent events of the 1930s. The stories of the ghosts that haunt the building have intrigued and unsettled previous occupants.
Despite the residence’s eerie reputation, Takaichi’s predecessors have expressed indifference towards the spectral tales. Shigeru Ishiba, who lived there before her, mentioned he was not afraid of the ghosts. Fumio Kishida, who occupied the residence afterward, reported a good night’s sleep without any paranormal disturbances. Interestingly, former prime ministers Shinzo Abe and Yoshihide Suga chose to live elsewhere, leaving the supposed spirits undisturbed for nearly a decade until Takaichi moved in.
Future Implications
As Takaichi begins her tenure in this historic residence, the blend of political responsibility and ghostly lore adds a unique narrative to her leadership. Her commitment to her role is clear, but the residence’s haunted history may serve as a metaphor for the challenges ahead.
The prime minister’s choice to move into the official residence reflects her readiness to embrace the responsibilities of her position, despite the intriguing backdrop of its storied past. With a focus on governance and an unyielding work ethic, Sanae Takaichi aims to make her mark as Japan’s leader, even as she navigates the shadows of history that linger in her new home.
