Japan’s Superstitions Make Some Homes Hard to Sell or Rent

The eerie silence that pervades the two-story house in Yokohama’s southern suburb is a haunting reminder of Japan’s complex relationship with death. The property, marked as “jiko bukken” due to its history of a sudden or violent death, has stood empty for at least five years.

This phenomenon is not unique; across Japan, thousands of homes are shunned by potential buyers and renters because of their association with tragedy. At the heart of this issue lies a deeply ingrained cultural superstition that views death as impure. According to Kazutoshi Kodama, president of Kachimode Co., property owners who have witnessed or experienced such tragedies often believe that coming into close contact with death will bring them misfortune.

Japan’s unique approach to disclosing a property’s history exacerbates the problem. Estate agents are legally required to reveal any incidents on the property, and online platforms list stigmatized properties along with their reasons for being blacklisted. This information can be enough to deter potential buyers and renters, who may be hesitant to take on a “jiko bukken” due to concerns about bad luck.

The consequences of this stigma are severe: rents can be cut in half, and some properties remain vacant for over 1,000 days. Kodama’s company has found a niche in providing services that aim to cleanse properties of lingering bad spirits. For a price, his team conducts extensive surveys, including video recording, electromagnetic wave checks, and thermography, to verify the thoroughness of refurbishments.

The cultural roots of this fear lie in Japan’s unique approach to death. Unlike Western cultures, which often view death as a natural part of life, Japan’s society is characterized by a strong emphasis on preserving order and avoiding impurity. This narrative contributes significantly to the phenomenon of “jiko bukken.”

The economic impact of stigmatized properties cannot be overstated. According to government data from 2024, there were over 9 million vacant homes across Japan, accounting for 13.8% of all accommodations in the country. The issue is compounded by the fact that many potential buyers and renters are deterred by the stigma associated with these properties.

One company, AkiyaMart, has introduced a package aimed at addressing this issue. Partnering with Shinto priests from nearby temples to perform cleansing rituals, the company offers an alternative solution for potential buyers and renters who are intimidated by stigmatized properties.

The challenge posed by stigmatized properties is multifaceted, requiring a delicate balance between respecting cultural sensitivities and addressing economic realities. While services like Kachimode Co.’s “ghost investigations” offer a solution, they also raise questions about the nature of superstition in modern society.

As Japan continues to grapple with its complex relationship with death, one thing is clear: the issue of stigmatized properties reflects deeper cultural and societal issues that cannot be solved through quick fixes. It will take a nuanced understanding of these complexities and a commitment to addressing them head-on for Japan’s property market to recover from the grip of superstition and secrecy.

The silence that permeates the empty house in Yokohama is not just a testament to Japan’s cultural fears but also a reminder of the economic and social implications of its refusal to confront them. The path forward will require more than just solutions; it will demand a fundamental shift in how Japan views death, superstition, and the properties that are forever tied to these aspects of life.