Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi Shares Unusual Encounter at Official Residence

On August 26, 2026, Khaosod Online reported that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi addressed public curiosity regarding the rumored hauntings at the official Prime Minister’s residence in Tokyo. The residence has long been associated with urban legends involving the spirits of those who died during two failed coup attempts in the 1930s.

In a post on the platform X dated August 22, the 65-year-old leader clarified that she has never encountered any supernatural entities. Instead, she revealed that she had been dealing with a persistent cockroach problem. Takaichi noted that while she was initially startled by the insects, she felt a strange sense of loneliness and sadness after officials successfully exterminated them, jokingly comparing the feeling to losing a companion.

For residents and travelers in Japan, this story highlights the ongoing maintenance and historical lore surrounding the Prime Minister's residence. While the building is a site of significant political history, it remains a functional living space subject to common household issues. It remains to be confirmed whether any further pest control measures will be required or if the residence will undergo renovations to address the structural concerns often associated with such older, historic buildings. For now, the Prime Minister’s experience serves as a reminder that even the most high-profile official residences are not immune to everyday domestic challenges.