Shigeru Ishiba, the newly appointed Prime Minister of Japan, began moving into the official prime ministerial residence in central Tokyo on Saturday. Ishiba, who took office in October, heads a party that endured a significant defeat in the recent general election. Despite leading a minority government, he remains determined to maintain his position.
The residence, commonly known as the Kantei, is located in the Nagatacho district of Tokyo, near the Diet. This expansive and futuristic building, completed in April 2002, serves not only as the prime minister's residence but also as the primary office for the chief cabinet secretary and the national crisis management center. However, it is not as well-known internationally as other leader's homes, such as the White House in Washington D.C.
Until now, Ishiba had been residing in accommodations designated for members of the Diet. The delay in his move to the Kantei was due to ongoing renovations that had been underway since former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stepped down. The official residence carries a reputation for being haunted by spirits linked to uprisings from the 1930s, adding a layer of mystique to Ishiba’s relocation.
“I’m not particularly afraid. It might be frightening to actually see something, but it is not something that we are worried about.” – Shigeru Ishiba
Ishiba's comments reflect a pragmatic approach to the rumors surrounding his new home. His decision to move into the Kantei indicates his commitment to fulfilling his role amidst challenges both political and supernatural.
The Kantei stands as a symbol of modern Japanese governance, juxtaposed with its eerie folklore. While it may lack the global recognition of more famous residences like the White House, it holds significant national importance.
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