English Version
In 1972, the Sennichi Department Store fire broke out in Osaka’s Namba area. It is often described as one of the worst building disasters in Japan’s history, with 118 people losing their lives.
The former department store site has long been associated with ghost stories. According to local rumors, apparitions still appear there dressed as they were at the time of the fire, their clothing said to look badly burned.
One person who reportedly worked in the building that later stood on the site claimed that an elevator would sometimes sound its overload alarm even when only one person was inside. Some have wondered, cautiously and uneasily, whether unseen victims with lingering regrets were boarding along with the living.
The location is in the Namba Shinchi area of Osaka, formerly listed as Minami Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture. Travelers interested in the story should remember that this is an urban area with active businesses and private property nearby, so visit respectfully, do not trespass, and avoid disturbing workers or residents.
Japanese Language
火災。跡地では今でも当時の、しかも焼けただれた服装の幽霊がでると言われている。日本のビル史上最悪の事故といわれる「千日デパート火災」が発生した場所。1972年に118名もの焼死者が出した。この跡地ビルで働いている人によると、１人しか乗っていないエレベーターで、定員オーバーのブザーが鳴ったりするそうことがあったとのこと。この世に未練がある者たちが一緒に乗り込んできたとでも言うのだろうか。大阪府大阪市南区難波新地
