Tokyo startup offers $1000 'ghost screening' for homes, citing demand from landlords seeking higher rents

The Unseen Tenant: Tokyo Startup Offers "Ghost Screening" for Homes

In a fascinating intersection of tradition and commerce, a unique trend is gaining traction among Japanese landlords: comprehensive screening of residential properties for paranormal activity. This niche service, often costing around $1,000 per day, is surprisingly in demand, driven by the lucrative reality that a home certified as "ghost-free" can command rental premiums of 10-20%.

Kachimode: Pioneering Paranormal Property Assessments

Leading this unusual charge is Kachimode, a Tokyo-based startup founded in 2022 by real estate agent Kazutoshi Kodama. The company specializes in what can only be described as "haunted house inspections." Their team employs a suite of specialized equipment to detect anomalies in spaces where a death has occurred, tapping into a cultural understanding that lingers long after the physical presence has departed.

Cultural Roots and Legal Mandates

This practice isn't merely a quirky fad; it's deeply rooted in Japanese traditions and even codified into law. Japanese real estate regulations obligate sellers to disclose any tragedies that have occurred within a property. The underlying belief is that the residual emotions or spiritual imprints of the deceased can negatively influence a dwelling, potentially bringing misfortune. Consequently, properties with such histories often see a significant dip in demand and value, with prices potentially falling by 10-20%.

The Kachimode Methodology

Kachimode steps in to bridge this gap. As of September 2025, the company has reportedly assessed 196 properties. According to an interview with the Japanese publication Toyo Keizai, Kodama explained that his team typically spends several days at a location. They meticulously employ "scientific methods," utilizing an array of video and audio recorders, electromagnetic field meters, thermal imaging cameras, and sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, air pressure, and ambient noise levels. The goal is to identify any measurable deviations that could be attributed to unexplained phenomena.

Certification and The Price of Peace of Mind

Upon completion of their rigorous investigation, Kachimode issues a certificate affirming that "no paranormal phenomena have been detected" within the property. This documentation serves as a valuable marketing tool for landlords, assuring potential tenants of a tranquil living environment. The cost of these services has seen a notable increase; what was once around 50,000 yen ($340) last year has now escalated to 80,000 or even 150,000 yen ($1000) per day, reflecting the growing demand and the perceived value of a "cleansed" property.

A History of Spiritual Cleansing

It's important to note that Kachimode is not charting entirely new territory in the realm of paranormal property checks. For centuries, Japanese culture has sought spiritual remediation for problematic spaces. Traditional methods often involve enlisting the aid of Buddhist monks or Shinto priests for rituals like exorcism – a service that can cost up to $1000, as offered by Tokyo’s Tenko-ji Temple. Another established practice involves professional "haunted house cleaners" who temporarily reside in a dwelling to actively dispel negative energies.

The Market's Embrace of the Unexplained

The burgeoning market for ghost screening highlights a peculiar but undeniable economic driver: the perceived value of peace of mind. While scientific instruments may offer quantifiable data, the ultimate commodity being traded is reassurance against the spectral. This trend, while seemingly otherworldly, is a very real and profitable response to deeply ingrained cultural beliefs and the practicalities of the real estate market.