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Journalism of Courage
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe8217;s cabinet formally denied months-long rumours that the premier had not moved into his official residence over fears the mansion is haunted.
The conservative leader took office in December but has yet to move into the 11-room brick home in central Tokyo,the longest holdout among any of his predecessors,according to local media.
Several former prime ministers have reported experiencing unusual phenomena at the mansion which was centrestage for two failed but bloody coups in the 1930s.
Former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi once told reporters 8220;I8217;ve never encountered any ghosts,although I want to see them8221;.
Some first ladies have also refused to live in the mansion over fears its was inhabited by spirits.
8220;There are rumours that the official residence is haunted by ghosts. Is it true? Does Prime Minister Abe refuse to move to the official residence because of the rumours?8221; an opposition lawmaker asked in a letter to Abe8217;s cabinet.
The lawmaker said the decision could delay Abe8217;s response time in emergencies because the residence is next door to his executive office.
Abe8217;s cabinet issued a terse written statement on Friday,saying 8220;We do not assent to what was asked.8221;
In May 1932,a revolt by naval officers ended in the murder of then prime minister Tsuyoshi Inukai and the plotters8217; surrender to military police.
Several years later in 1936,about 1,400 rebel troops killed several political leaders and seized the heart of Tokyo8217;s government district including the official residence for four days.
