Japan’s first woman prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, may find it harder to rest after moving into the country’s official prime ministerial residence, a building long rumored to be haunted by the ghosts of soldiers from a century ago.
Takaichi moved into the stone-and-brick mansion in central Tokyo on Monday, more than two months after assuming office. The residence is located next to the prime minister’s offices and dates back to 1929.
Until now, the 64-year-old leader had been living in accommodation reserved for members of parliament. However, she faced criticism earlier this month after it took her 35 minutes to reach her office following a major earthquake in early December.
Known for her pledge to “work, work, work, work and work,” Takaichi has said she sleeps only two to four hours a night due to her demanding schedule. Her new home, inspired by the architectural style of Frank Lloyd Wright’s former Imperial Hotel, may add to her sleeplessness.
The residence was the scene of two attempted military coups in the 1930s, during which several senior officials, including a prime minister, were assassinated by young army officers. At least one bullet hole reportedly remains, and some believe the spirits of those involved still roam the halls.
Former prime minister Shigeru Ishiba, who lived there after renovations were completed in 2005, said he was not afraid of ghosts. His predecessor, Fumio Kishida, also reported no supernatural encounters and said he slept well.
However, former prime ministers Shinzo Abe — Takaichi’s mentor — and Yoshihide Suga chose to live elsewhere, leaving the residence unoccupied for nearly nine years until 2021.
