Japan PM Takaichi Says She Feels Lonely After Staff Removes Cockroach From Home

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has revealed an unusual incident at the country's official prime ministerial residence, saying she felt unexpectedly “lonely” and “sad” after staff removed a cockroach she had encountered there. Takaichi, 65, shared the anecdote while responding to questions about the residence, a historic building in Tokyo that has long been surrounded by stories of paranormal activity and alleged ghost sightings.

Takaichi, who maintains an active presence on social media, addressed the subject in a post on X. She noted that one question she frequently receives is whether she has encountered the ghosts that are reportedly said to haunt the official residence. The stories are linked to two failed coup attempts in Japan during the 1930s, in which people were killed and whose deaths subsequently contributed to legends surrounding the building.

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The prime minister said she had not encountered any ghosts since moving into the residence. Instead, she said the experience that frightened her involved something considerably more ordinary — cockroaches. Takaichi described encountering the pests inside the building and said the experience was enough to make her scream, turning an otherwise routine aspect of life at the historic residence into an unexpected personal ordeal.

The incident took an unusual turn after staff members intervened and removed the cockroach. Rather than simply feeling relieved that the pest was gone, Takaichi said she experienced conflicting emotions afterward. She described herself as “relieved” but also “lonely” and “sad” once her unexpected companion had disappeared. The light-hearted account offered a rare glimpse into the personal side of the Japanese prime minister's life away from official duties.

The official residence itself has a long history. Takaichi moved into the building in December. The brick-and-stone mansion opened in 1929 and originally served as the prime minister's office before a newer building was constructed next to it. Its age, historical significance and association with political events have helped fuel stories about supernatural encounters, including claims that the spirits of people killed during the 1930s coup attempts remain in the building.

Takaichi's comments come as she has increasingly been seen spending time at home while also making greater use of the official residence for work. Last week, she said she was using the residence next to her office more frequently in an effort to maximise efficiency. The arrangement allows her to remain close to her workplace while carrying out official responsibilities, particularly during a demanding schedule.

The prime minister's cockroach story has nevertheless provided a lighter moment amid the serious responsibilities of leading Japan. Her description of feeling both relieved and lonely after the pest was removed also offered an unusual personal detail about life inside one of the country's most closely watched buildings. While the residence continues to attract attention because of its political history and ghost legends, Takaichi made clear that her most memorable encounter there so far has involved a much more tangible resident.

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