Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has sparked an unusual online conversation after revealing that she felt “lonely” after staff removed a cockroach from her official residence.
Takaichi shared the anecdote on social media while responding to reports about her working arrangements at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence in Tokyo. Her comments quickly attracted widespread attention online, with her post reportedly receiving millions of views and thousands of comments.
The incident came as the Japanese prime minister addressed speculation that she had been spending unusually long periods working from the official residence rather than from her office. She explained that the arrangement was a deliberate decision aimed at reducing the burden on staff responsible for security and other duties.
PM Says Working From Residence Helps Staff
Takaichi reportedly moved into the Prime Minister’s Official Residence in December last year, following her election as prime minister in October.
Reports had suggested that she sometimes spent entire days at the residence. However, she said there was a practical reason behind her decision to work there, explaining that her presence at the residence could reduce the number of personnel and security arrangements required at the office.
She also maintained that working from home had not prevented her from carrying out her responsibilities as prime minister. In fact, she claimed the arrangement had allowed her to work longer hours.
Her working habits have nevertheless generated discussion in Japan, particularly concerning the demanding schedule she has maintained since taking office.
The official residence itself has also attracted public fascination over the years because of longstanding stories that it is haunted.
She Has Not Seen A Ghost, But Did Encounter A Cockroach
The residence is associated with several dramatic events in Japan’s political history, including attempted coups in the early 20th century in which people were killed. These incidents have contributed to rumours that the building is haunted.
Takaichi said she had not personally encountered any ghosts while living there.
Instead, her most memorable encounter involved something considerably more ordinary — a cockroach.
The prime minister reportedly screamed after spotting the insect inside the residence. Despite being frightened, she said she could not bring herself to kill it after thinking about reincarnation.
Rather than dealing with the cockroach herself, Takaichi hoped it would eventually leave the building on its own.
However, after she informed her assistants about the unwanted visitor, they took action. Staff reportedly regarded the insect as unclean and arranged for insecticide to be used.
The cockroach subsequently disappeared, and Takaichi said she had not seen another one since.
Unexpected Reaction To Cockroach Removal Goes Viral
While most people might have been relieved to see the insect gone, Takaichi described having a surprisingly emotional reaction.
She said she felt relieved that the cockroach was no longer around, but also admitted that she felt somewhat sad and lonely after her unexpected companion had disappeared.
Her comments quickly attracted significant attention online, with the social media post reportedly accumulating nearly 25 million views and more than 6,200 comments.
The unusual story has provided a lighter moment amid discussions surrounding the Japanese government’s work environment and the prime minister’s demanding schedule.
It also offered the public a rare glimpse into the more personal side of life inside Japan’s heavily guarded official residence — where political history, security concerns, long working hours and, apparently, the occasional cockroach all come together.