We’ve listed our five most read stories on The Mainichi news site, from top to bottom, that were published between May 31 and June 8. The first story was viewed by 18.9% of our regular readers. (The Mainichi)
A notice asking for volunteers to wash curtains, distributed at a school by the PTA, is seen in this partially modified image taken March 13, 2025. (Mainichi/Keiko Shioji)
Nara mother puzzled by PTA’s role in washing classroom curtains, seen across Japan
NARA — A 40-year-old office worker from this western Japan city was surprised when she saw a handout distributed to PTA members at her 10-year-old son’s elementary school in 2022, asking for volunteers to wash classroom curtains. Full story.
Costumed concept cafe workers distribute fliers to passers-by on Ota Road in Osaka’s Nipponbashi district, one of the largest electronics shopping areas in western Japan, on May 8, 2025. (Mainichi/Chinatsu Ide)
Osaka police, shop union battle ‘concept cafes’ illicitly peddling entertainment services
OSAKA — “Concept cafes,” establishments that showcase specific themes or aesthetics, have been steadily gaining popularity — especially among Japan’s young people. Full story.
Bags of rice are seen on sale in Tokyo’s Koto Ward on May 23, 2025. (Mainichi/Daiki Takikawa)
As I See It: How to seriously bring down rice prices in Japan
Why are rice prices soaring in Japan? After covering the issue for nearly a year since last summer, I think I now know the real answer to this fundamental question. Full story.
The Metropolitan Police Department headquarters (Mainichi)
Schools in Tokyo ward close campus, cancel classes after threats
TOKYO — Suspicious messages including threats to “harm as many children as possible” were sent to multiple junior and senior high schools here June 3 and 4, prompting the closures of schools in the capital’s Koto Ward June 5 and 6, the Mainichi Shimbun has learned from police and other sources. Full story.
A bedbug is seen on the wooden frame of a bed in this photo provided by the Ikebukuro Public Health Center in Tokyo.
Japan expert offers tips to avoid bedbug bites as summer approaches
TOKYO — As temperatures rise and summer draws near, insect-related damage increases. Among these pests, there has been a surge in consultations about bedbugs with extermination companies and industry associations in Japan in recent years. These insects cause intense itching when they bite, and you might unknowingly bring them back with you from your travels. What precautions can one take to avoid being affected? Full story.
AloJapan.com