Our 5 most read stories from Aug. 3 to 11, 2024
(Mainichi Japan)
We've listed our five most read stories on The Mainichi news site, from top to bottom, that were published between August 3 and 11. The first story was viewed by 20% of our regular readers. (The Mainichi)
More fireworks festivals being canceled across Japan as cinders spark complaints
TOKYO -- Fireworks festivals, which have delighted people across Japan as a summer tradition, are being canceled in an increasing number of cases across the country -- and not just because of sudden torrential rain or other adverse weather. Full story.
Overstayers beware: Japan's 1st foreigner cyber patrol to decode, report possible crimes
SAITAMA -- Saitama Prefectural Police have inaugurated Japan's first online volunteer group made up of foreigners to tackle visa overstays, crimes by foreign nationals and other issues. Full story.
Japan dept. store faces penalty for tax-free sales to foreigners with permanent residency
OSAKA -- Major department store operator Takashimaya Co. has been hit with additional taxes totaling approximately 570 million yen (roughly $3.9 million), including underreported additional taxes, for selling goods without meeting consumption tax exemption requirements, the Mainichi Shimbun has learned. Full story.
Japan ministry stops referring to newspapers, magazines to show train congestion levels
TOKYO -- Onboard congestion rates are no longer indicated by whether or not train passengers can read newspapers or weekly magazines, as less people nowadays hold newspapers and other magazines open to read them on the go. Full story.
Oh, snap: 'Purikura' photo sticker booths targeted by thieves in west Japan
FUKUOKA -- Japanese photo booths that allow users to decorate the pictures and turn them into stickers, commonly known as "purikura," are still loved by junior high and high school students some three decades after their introduction. They have been popular among foreign tourists too, but users are being advised to exercise caution following a spate of pickpocketing and theft incidents at booths in the southwestern Japan city of Fukuoka. Full story.
