Economist: Haunted Houses are in Demand in Japan

[Mikawa Ossan]

https://www.economist.com/asia/2026/07/14/haunted-houses-are-in-demand-in-japan

Niki Hidenori, who runs a property firm focused on jiko bukken in Kobe, says more tenants are "weighing the price and taking a pragmatic approach". In March average studio rents in central Tokyo rose by 13% year on year, a record high for the 22nd consecutive month. A recent survey suggests a majority of Japanese would consider living in a jiko bukken. Investors are drawn too; legally, a death need not be disclosed after three years have elapsed, so a property bought at a discount can later be sold at full price.

Sorry, it's behind a paywall, although you can read the article for free if you create an account. Regardless, have you heard of this? I thought that houses were people died were more or less taboo?

 

[thomas]

Thread 'Stigmatised property in Japan'

18 Jun 2026

This is an interesting advisory on jiko bukken (事故物件), which literally means an "incident property" or "stigmatised property." The legal term is shinriteki kashi (心理的瑕疵), usually translated as "psychological defect".

While some may welcome the opportunity, others might frown upon the idea of buying a property where a death occurred.

Shinriteki kashi refers to circumstances that could materially influence a buyer's or tenant's decision, most commonly deaths, suicides or other disturbing incidents associated with a property. Properties with such histories are often...

• thomas
• stigmatised property 事故物件
• Replies: 0
• Forum: Living in Japan

• 

 

[Mikawa Ossan]

Ah...well then I guess you have heard of this, but maybe not the supposed recent relatively popularity? I'll just exit quietly, thanks.

 

[mdchachi]

Ah...well then I guess you have heard of this, but maybe not the supposed recent relatively popularity? I'll just exit quietly, thanks.

I didn't read the article but you have to be careful with "trends" you read about. A journalist will find a couple of people, write a story and call it a trend when in fact it may have been something going on all the time.

 

[Ukigumo]

Why not? There is no such thing as ghosts/spirits etc; their existence would violate the second law of thermodynamics. Have the place brightened up with good lighting, throwaway few soirée with lively friends, maybe have it blessed/exorcised, if you're that way inclined and save a fortune.

I'd be too scared, though…