Japan's haunted homes attract bargain hunters

A Japanese woman named Ryua moved into an apartment where a man had committed suicide, accepting the 30% rent discount. She continues to experience paranormal activity daily.

Japanese law requires estate agents to disclose deaths by suicide, murder, fire, or prolonged absence of a body. These properties are labeled 'jiko bukken' or 'stigmatised' properties.

In contrast to the UK and US, Japan has strict disclosure rules for rental and sale properties. For example, in California, past deaths must be disclosed within three years, while in Arizona and Oregon, there is no such requirement.

Ryua's apartment in Setagaya is a 25 sq m bedsit with a monthly rent of 45,000 yen, significantly lower than the standard rate. Tokyo estate agent Erik Oskamp noted that Japanese buyers are particularly wary of properties with tragic histories.

In Kagoshima, a 79-year-old American named Diane Tincher bought a three-bedroom house for half the market price after learning an elderly woman had died alone there. She does not believe in ghosts but acknowledges Japanese superstitions.

A 2025 survey found that over half of Japanese people would consider renting a jiko bukken if it was affordable, reflecting a growing trend of seeking discounted properties with tragic pasts.