We’ve listed our five most read stories on The Mainichi news site, from top to bottom, that were published between June 14 and 22. The first story was viewed by 24.6% of our regular readers. (The Mainichi)
A discarded suitcase is seen in the Minami entertainment district in Osaka’s Chuo Ward on June 3, 2025. (Mainichi/Hayato Matsubara)
Inbound tourists abandoning luggage amid Osaka Expo trips causes disposal problems
OSAKA — Suitcases believed to have been abandoned mainly by foreign travelers are piling up across this city as it hosts Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, putting pressure on local accommodation providers as to how to respond. Full story.
The woman whose daughter fell victim to sexual abuse complains that the school and the municipal education board need to change their disposition, in an interview in Gunma Prefecture, April 23, 2025. (Mainichi/Seiichi Yuasa)
‘You won’t let it out, right?’: Japan school principal shocks sexual abuse victim’s mom
OTA, Gunma — The mother of a junior high school girl in east Japan who fell victim to alleged sexual abuse by a staff member is distrustful of the school and the local education board which are seemingly trying to cover up the incident. She was left stunned by the principal’s effective gag order when he said, “You won’t let it out, right?” Full story.
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology building is seen in Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward, June 17, 2025. (Mainichi/Natsuko Ishida)
701 contract professionals at Japan universities were laid off before reaching 10-year mark
TOKYO — A total of 701 instructors and researchers on fixed-term contracts at Japan’s national universities had their job contracts terminated just before the 10-year mark when they were supposed to be able to switch to indefinite employment, the Mainichi Shimbun has learned through a freedom-of-information request. Full story.
A man reflects on the scam he fell victim to while looking at his smartphone, in the western Japan city of Tsu on May 28, 2025. (Mainichi/Masaya Shibuya)
Man in Japan’s Mie Pref. reveals tactics of romance scammer after losing $69,000
TSU — “I was stupid. I never thought I would be fooled.” So reflected a man in his 50s from the Mie Prefecture city of Suzuka who recently lost some 10 million yen (about $69,000) to a romance scam through social media. Hoping to prevent others from falling victim to similar fraud schemes, the man shared his bitter experience with the press. His exchanges provide a glimpse into the sophisticated tactics used by the criminals to exploit the vulnerabilities in his heart to steal his money. Full story.
The Kawabata family, with 11 children aged between 0 and 15, is seen in Omuta, Fukuoka Prefecture, May 25, 2025. (Mainichi/Hideho Furihata)
Fukuoka Pref. couple thrive with 11 kids amid busy life, soaring rice prices
OMUTA, Fukuoka — A couple with 11 children whose household goes through 50 kilograms of rice per month are feeling the pinch of soaring rice prices, but continue to support their family with both of them working, while the older siblings help care for the younger ones, creating a lively atmosphere at their home in this southwestern Japan city. Full story.
AloJapan.com