'I live with a ghost': Japan's haunted homes attract bargain hunters
In Japan, properties associated with deaths, known as 'jiko bukken,' are becoming popular among bargain hunters who are not deterred by superstitions. Regulations now require estate agents to disclose such histories to potential tenants and buyers to ensure transparency.
Why it matters
This trend illustrates the intersection of cultural beliefs, real estate market dynamics, and consumer protection laws.
Image caption, Ryua says that she shares her Tokyo apartment with a ghost
From the moment Ryua first walked into her rental apartment in Tokyo she believed it to be haunted.
"When I visited the place for a viewing there was a man standing there, glaring at me," she says.
"Since the estate agent couldn't see him, I realised he must be a ghost."
While someone more squeamish would probably have quickly left the flat never to return, Ryua chose to go ahead and move in.
"I'm a bit of a contrarian, so I decided I wanted to become friends with this glaring male ghost," adds Ryua, who works as an aidoru, a young entertainer, and who doesn't wish to share her surname.
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