Japan's Stigmatized Property Agency Gains Attention
Rising Demand for "Ghost House" Investigations Amid Surge in Solitary Deaths and Suicides
Supernatural Phenomena Inspections Cost 80,000 to 150,000 Yen Per Day
In Japan, a real estate company specializing in so-called "stigmatized houses"-properties where people have died alone or by suicide-has emerged, drawing significant attention. As the country faces rapid population aging and a rise in single-person households, the number of homes with a history of death is increasing, creating a new niche market for safely trading these so-called "ghost houses."
The Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post (SCMP), citing a recent report from the Japanese business magazine Toyo Keizai, introduced "Kachimode," a brokerage firm specializing in stigmatized properties. Founded in 2022 by real estate agent Kazutoshi Kodama, the company investigates and certifies vacant homes due to suicide, solitary death, or murder, and then brokers their sale or rental.
"This House Has No Ghosts"... From Investigation to Certification
In Japan, homes where someone has died are called "ghost houses" and are classified as psychologically defective properties. These homes are typically 10-20% cheaper than market value, but due to their ominous reputation, transactions are often avoided.
To dispel such distrust, Kachimode scientifically investigates the presence of supernatural phenomena. Employees stay in the property for several days, using cameras, thermal imaging cameras, electromagnetic field meters, and audio recorders to log indoor temperature, humidity, noise, airflow, and air pressure. If no anomalies are detected, the company issues a certificate stating, "No ghosts in this house (no supernatural phenomena present)."
The company also provides post-mortem services such as inheritance consultation, organizing personal belongings, and specialized cleaning. To date, it has inspected a total of 196 properties, with investigation fees ranging from 80,000 to 150,000 yen per day (approximately 740,000 to 1,390,000 KRW).
The Shadow Left by Solitary Deaths... Cleansing Both House and Heart
Most properties have been certified without incident, but there have been cases of odd occurrences during investigations. In one ghost house in Java Prefecture, Kodama's laptop suddenly shut down and would not turn back on. In another house, a well was discovered beneath the floor, prompting a Shinto shrine official to advise, "It's best not to touch it." In such cases, the company does not issue a certificate.
Kodama stated, "By determining the cause of death, carrying out repairs and cleaning, and conducting transparent investigations, we hope to help heal the 'psychological shadow' left on bereaved families."
In Japan, which has entered a super-aged society, solitary deaths have become a social issue. According to government data, in the first half of this year, there were 11,669 cases of solitary deaths (defined as deaths discovered more than eight days after the fact), an increase of 11.8% (1,233 cases) compared to the previous year. Regardless of the time elapsed before discovery, the number of people who died alone at home reached 40,913, up by 3,686 from the same period last year.
As of last year, 79% of solitary death cases involved men, and 82% were people aged 60 or older. There were also 253 cases where the deceased were discovered more than a year after death.
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