Haunted houses are in demand in Japan

Haunted Houses Are in Demand in Japan

The Allure of Jiko Bukken

Haunted houses are in demand in Japan – For over a decade, comedian Matsubara Tanishi has resided in homes linked to tragic incidents. From a tenant who killed his sibling to another who took her own life, and a third where an elderly man died unnoticed for two years, these properties have become a fixture in his life. “I used to think I might get cursed,” he admits.

Discounted Properties and Public Fascination

Known as jiko bukken, or “incident properties,” these homes are often sold at prices 10% to 50% below market value. The eerie reputation attracts both fear and fascination, with many people drawn to their stories. While some avoid them, others embrace the mystique, leading to a unique market dynamic. Mr. Matsubara has turned this into a career, with his memoirs becoming best-sellers and inspiring cinematic adaptations.

Cultural Superstitions and Paranormal Practices

Japan’s fascination with haunted spaces extends beyond mere curiosity. A 2024 survey revealed that a third of the population believes in spirits. Social media platforms buzz with accounts of ghostly presences, prompting some businesses to offer special services. Buddhist monks conduct cleansing rituals, while firms like Kachimode use thermal cameras to detect paranormal signs. A certificate of non-haunting is issued if no activity is found.

Demographic Shifts and Legal Adjustments

Demographic trends are amplifying the appeal of jiko bukken. In 2025, over 20,000 “lonely deaths” were recorded, where individuals died alone and went undetected for eight days or more. In 2021, the government relaxed rules, allowing landlords to withhold such information unless decomposition was extreme. This change aims to ease rental access for aging populations, as many property owners fear the stigma of a solitary death.

Market Trends and Psychological Impact

Surging real estate prices are shifting public perception. In March 2025, average studio rents in central Tokyo rose by 13% year-on-year, a record high for 22 consecutive months. Despite the psychological toll of living in these homes, a majority of Japanese now consider them viable options. Investors benefit from the price drops, as deaths need not be disclosed after three years. “They start getting nervous and leave quickly,” says Ryua, a Tokyo resident. “That’s a bit sad,” she adds.

Stories and Survivors

Property investor Oshima Teru maintains a website tracking jiko bukken, marked by fire icons and death descriptions. “It frightens me, but I can’t stop checking it,” says Kobayashi Yoko, a Tokyo housekeeper. Some tenants, like Ryua, find peace in their haunted dwellings. Yet, the lingering belief in malice spirits persists, even as Matsubara claims to have never seen a ghost—though he now sleepwalks.