Japan’s real estate market has found an unusual way to revive interest in homes with troubled histories: paying people to spend a night inside them. Individuals with strong nerves are being offered nearly 88,000 yen (around Rs 52,000) to stay overnight in properties considered “haunted” or unlucky.
The idea is simple: if someone can spend a night in these homes without experiencing anything unusual, property owners hope it will reassure potential buyers and tenants that the houses are safe. The service is aimed at bringing thousands of vacant “jiko bukken” or stigmatised properties back into the housing market.
Japan’s strangest side hustle: Earn Rs 52,000 by sleeping in a ‘haunted’ home (representative image)
WHAT ARE 'JIKO BUKKEN'
In Japan, a jiko bukken refers to a property where a death or disturbing incident has taken place. These may include murders, suicides, fatal fires, or “lonely deaths”, cases where elderly people living alone pass away and are discovered days or weeks later.
Japanese regulations require real estate agents to inform prospective buyers and tenants about certain past incidents linked to a property. While the rule ensures transparency, many people hesitate to rent or purchase such homes due to cultural beliefs and fears surrounding negative energy or paranormal activity.
As a result, many of these properties remain empty for long periods despite being available at significantly lower prices.
INSIDE THE JOB
The newly emerging profession involves individuals staying alone inside these properties overnight while documenting their experience through photographs, videos and monitoring equipment.
The overnight “sitters” are expected to observe the house, record any unusual occurrences and submit a report after their stay. If no strange activity is detected, companies provide a certificate stating that no paranormal events were found during the inspection.
Japan’s strangest side hustle: Earn Rs 52,000 by sleeping in a ‘haunted’ home (representative image)
Some service providers have even gone a step further by offering compensation guarantees if paranormal activity is later proven after a property has been declared “ghost-free”.
A SIMPLE TASK, BUT NOT FOR EVERYONE
While the job may sound easy on paper, spending an entire night alone in a house with a tragic past can be intimidating. The selected individuals must remain inside the property until morning, often without anyone else present.
The unusual opportunity has triggered mixed reactions online. While some users joked that it was an effortless way to make quick money, others admitted they would not step inside such homes even for the offered payment.
Japan’s strangest side hustle: Earn Rs 52,000 by sleeping in a ‘haunted’ home (representative image)
CAN A NIGHT WITHOUT GHOSTS CHANGE A HOME'S FATE?
For property owners, the overnight ghost-sitting service is less about proving the existence or absence of spirits and more about rebuilding confidence among potential residents.
Whether one believes in ghosts or not, spending a night alone in a house with a haunting reputation requires courage. But for those willing to take the challenge, a quiet night’s stay could come with a surprisingly attractive reward: around Rs 50,000.
- Ends
Published By:
Karan Yadav
Published On:
Jul 21, 2026 15:30 IST