Aug. 1, 2025 | Why these Japanese homes are so cheap (and so creepy)

Would you live in a house where someone died? In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we explore the world of jiko bukken — Japan’s so-called “stigmatized properties.” These are homes where someone died by suicide, accident or murder, and they often sell or rent for 30% to 50% below market value. We look at what the law requires real estate agents to disclose, why so many Japanese still avoid these homes, and what it says about cultural views on death, bad luck and the supernatural. We also check out the eerie website where you can search your own building to see if anything tragic happened nearby. 📺 Watch the video with presenter Jeff Richards on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qpgw6E6XpNU 💬 Ever lived somewhere with a dark history — or would you? Let us know what you’d do if offered a "jiko bukken" at half the price. 👇