Japan's Haunted Seat of Power: Why PMs Shun the Official Residence

The Japanese Prime Minister's official residence, known as the Kantei, stands as a symbol of national power. Yet, despite its prestige, it's a dwelling many of Japan's most powerful leaders have preferred to avoid, and the reason is far more chilling than mere preference: it's widely believed to be haunted. This isn't just a rumour; it's a persistent whisper woven into the fabric of Japanese political lore, giving the Kantei a dual reputation as both a seat of governance and a den of spectral unrest.

Built in 1929, the Kantei has witnessed some of Japan's darkest political moments. Its walls silently absorbed the tremors of a nation grappling with militarism and democratic instability. The most infamous events occurred in the 1930s. In 1932, the May 15 Incident saw naval officers assassinate then-Prime Minister Inukai Tsuyoshi within its very premises. Just four years later, in 1936, the February 26 Incident unfolded, an attempted military coup that resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking officials and profound political turmoil, leaving an indelible stain on the building's history. These violent episodes are central to the Kantei's ghostly reputation, with many believing the restless spirits of those who perished or suffered there still linger.

For decades, successive Prime Ministers have largely shunned living at the Kantei, preferring to commute from their private residences. While practical reasons like security, comfort, and the desire to maintain a private family life are often cited, the supernatural element is rarely far from public discussion. Former PM Yoshiro Mori reportedly claimed to have heard strange footsteps and a ringing bell during his stay. Even the famously pragmatic Junichiro Koizumi once light-heartedly, but tellingly, remarked, “I don't mind. I like ghosts.” This speaks volumes about the pervasive belief. For a long stretch, from 2012 until 2020, no PM resided there, breaking a long-standing tradition. Shinzo Abe notably opted to commute throughout his second, lengthy tenure.

The trend has seen a slight shift recently. Yoshihide Suga became the first PM in nine years to move into the Kantei, though his stay was relatively brief. More recently, current Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also moved in, perhaps signaling a move away from the decades-long superstition, or simply a pragmatic decision to be closer to his work. However, the legends persist, adding an undeniable mystique to the role and its abode.

The Kantei remains more than just an office and a residence; it's a historical monument shrouded in an aura of mystery. Whether due to genuine spectral encounters or the psychological weight of its violent past, the official residence of the Japanese Prime Minister continues to be a source of fascination, reminding us that even in modern politics, some traditions and legends die hard, especially when they whisper of ghosts in the halls of power.