Japan's 'ghost investigators' tackle death-stigmatized homes

In Japan, a unique industry has emerged to address the stigma surrounding properties where deaths have occurred, known as "jiko bukken." These homes, marked by suicides, "lonely deaths," or murders, are often shunned by potential buyers and renters due to a cultural belief that death equates to impurity and misfortune.

Kazutoshi Kodama, president of Kachimode Co., sees a business opportunity in these stigmatized properties. His company offers "ghost investigations" and property management services for owners struggling to lease or sell these homes. Demand for such services is reportedly soaring, as Japanese society often regards death as impure and believes contact with it can bring bad luck.

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Japanese people sometimes regard death as impure. Death equates to impurity and misfortune. Consequently, they believe that coming into close contact with death will bring them misfortune. And that means quite a lot of Japanese are reluctant to go near such properties, let alone rent or buy one.

Legal requirements mandate that real estate agents disclose a property's history, further complicating sales. A website even lists stigmatized properties nationwide. Owners often face significant rent reductions, with prices cut by 30% in cities and 50% elsewhere. Some properties remain vacant for over a year, rendering price reductions ineffective.

Kodama's company aims to reassure potential occupants through these "ghost investigations," which go beyond simple renovations like replacing carpets and wallpaper. The service attempts to cleanse the property, making it more appealing to those hesitant about its past.

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My company carries out what we call 'ghost investigation.'