TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s Cabinet yesterday formally denied months-long rumors 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 center-stage for two failed but bloody coups in the 1930s. Former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi once told reporters: “I’ve never encountered any ghosts, although I want to see them.” Some first ladies have also refused to live in the mansion over fears its was inhabited by spirits. “There are rumors 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 rumors?” an opposition lawmaker asked in a letter to Abe’s Cabinet. The lawmaker said the decision could delay Abe’s response time in emergencies because the residence is next door to his executive office.
Tokyo denies ‘ghosts’ keeping premier out of residence
Tokyo denies ‘ghosts’ keeping premier out of residence
Egypt’s grand museum begins live restoration of King Khufu’s ancient boat
- The 4,600-year-old boat was built during the reign of King Khufu, the pharaoh who also commissioned the Great Pyramid of Giza
CAIRO: Egypt began a public live restoration of King Khufu’s ancient solar boat at the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum on Tuesday, more than 4,000 years after the vessel was first built.
Egyptian conservators used a small crane to carefully lift a fragile, decayed plank into the Solar Boats Museum hall — the first of 1,650 wooden pieces that make up the ceremonial boat of the Old Kingdom pharaoh.
The 4,600-year-old boat was built during the reign of King Khufu, the pharaoh who also commissioned the Great Pyramid of Giza. The vessel was discovered in 1954 in a sealed pit near the pyramids, but its excavation did not begin until 2011 due to the fragile condition of the wood.
“You are witnessing today one of the most important restoration projects in the 21st century,” Egyptian Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy said.
“It is important for the museum, and it is important for humanity and the history and the heritage.”
The restoration will take place in full view of visitors to the Grand Egyptian Museum over the coming four years.
