We’ve listed our five most read stories on The Mainichi news site, from top to bottom, that were published between Feb. 21 and March 1. The first story was viewed by 18.4% of our regular readers. (The Mainichi)
Water bottles are kept in baskets in the back of a primary school classroom, as seen on Jan. 23, 2026. (Mainichi/Shizuka Takebayashi)
Water bottle tampering at Japan schools raises alarm; sleeping aid, disinfectant reported
FUKUOKA — With rising temperatures in recent years and the need for heatstroke prevention, water bottles have become essential for school children in Japan for hydration. However, there have been a slew of incidents involving unexpected foreign substances mixed into these bottles, often due to disputes among children. Some cases have been severe enough to potentially cause health issues if ingested. Full story.
The statue of Chiune Sugihara, with its head defaced by red paint, is seen in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo, Feb. 7, 2026, in this photo provided by Michael Okamura.
Statue of Japanese diplomat in Los Angeles defaced with red paint in potential hate crime
In downtown Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo, a statue of Chiune Sugihara (1900-1986), a Japanese diplomat who issued transit visas to many Jewish refugees during World War II, was defaced with paint this month. Full story.
A limited express sightseeing bus is seen in Kyoto’s Shimogyo Ward, June 1, 2024. The Kyoto Municipal Government began operating the service that day. (Mainichi/Kazuki Yamazaki)
Kyoto mayor announces plan for Japan’s 1st dual bus fares with citizen discount
KYOTO — The mayor of this ancient Japanese capital has announced a plan to introduce a dual bus fare system by lowering the fare for locals and collecting more from nonresidents as part of measures against overtourism. If implemented, this will be Japan’s first dual fare system. Full story.
Children sing a Christmas song in Japanese, accompanied by the piano played by a student from the Sophia University Junior College Division, during a “fun party” in Hadano, Kanagawa Prefecture, Dec. 16, 2025. (Mainichi/Eri Hirano)
Future of Japanese language support program for foreign kids in Kanagawa Pref. in doubt
HADANO, Kanagawa — A program offering free Japanese language and academic support for foreign children and their families in and around this eastern Japan city faces a bleak future as the institution that started the initiative is closing. Full story.
Shiyu Miyazaki, left, who wears makeup while working, is seen in Tokyo’s Minato Ward, Jan. 20, 2026, in this partially modified photo. (Mainichi/Yuko Shimada)
More men wearing makeup in Japan as influence of ‘K-beauty’ grows
TOKYO — There’s been an increase in men in Japan incorporating cosmetics into their daily grooming routines, focusing on skin care and light makeup to maintain a healthy-looking glow. The expansion of men’s makeup is influenced by changes in mindsets during the COVID-19 pandemic and the South Korean beauty boom. Exploring various aspects reveals men’s growing beauty consciousness and the changing environment that embraces it. Full story.
AloJapan.com