Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi takes office

Japanese Premier Sanae Takaichi may have more trouble sleeping after moving into the prime minister’s official residence, where the ghosts of Japanese soldiers from a century ago are said to reside.

Japan’s first female prime minister was moved into the stone-and-brick mansion next to her offices in central Tokyo on Monday, more than two months after taking office.

He had been staying in accommodation for members of parliament, but came under fire for taking 35 minutes to get to his office after a major earthquake in early December.

Takaichi, 64, came to power promising to “work, work, work, work, work” and has said that since taking office she is too busy to sleep more than two to four hours a night.

Opened in 1929, its new surroundings (its style inspired by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s now-demolished Imperial Hotel across town) might also keep her awake.]

It was the scene of two coup attempts in the 1930s, when several senior officials, including a prime minister, were assassinated by young military men.

In addition to at least one bullet hole, some believe the ghosts of those involved have roamed the halls ever since.

Takaichi’s predecessor, Shigeru Ishiba, also lived in the residence, which was renovated in 2005, and said he was not afraid of ghosts.

Before him, Fumio Kishida reported seeing no ghosts and sleeping soundly.

Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi’s former mentor, and Yoshihide Suga lived elsewhere, leaving the alleged ghosts unaccompanied for nine years, until 2021.