Our 5 most read stories from April 13 to 21, 2024

We’ve listed our five most read stories on The Mainichi news site, from top to bottom, that were published between April 13 and 21. The first story was viewed by 19% of our regular readers. (The Mainichi)

Burning ‘mannequins’ in east Japan turn out to be human corpses, sparking police probe

UTSUNOMIYA — Two burned human corpses were found in a riverbed in Tochigi Prefecture, north of Tokyo, on April 16, after a resident reported what they thought were mannequins on fire, prefectural police said. Full story.

European diplomats woo Japan beef bowl chain Matsuya for coveted menu spots

TOKYO — A number of European countries are cozying up to Matsuya Foods Holdings Co., the Tokyo-based operator of beef bowl restaurant chain Matsuya, with ambassadors making fervent pleas on social media for their countries’ signature dishes to be added to Matsuya’s menu. Full story.

‘Resignation agency’ receives scores of requests from new employees in Japan

TOKYO — A “resignation agency” in Japan that handles negotiations with companies on behalf of employees when they quit has already received scores of requests from new hires just two weeks into the new fiscal year. Full story.

Japan woman mistakenly arrested on suspicion of shoplifting fried tofu sushi

KUSATSU, Shiga — A 74-year-old woman was mistakenly arrested on April 13 for allegedly shoplifting “inarizushi” fried tofu filled with sushi rice, and was released three days later, Shiga Prefectural Police’s Omihachiman Police Station announced on April 16. Full story.

91% of foreigners want to keep working in Japan, but weak yen taking toll: survey

TOKYO — Is Japan an attractive place to work despite its weak currency? A survey by a Tokyo-based human resources company found that over 90% of foreign workers now in Japan want to keep working here, though the prolonged depreciation of the yen has reduced their income when converted to their home currencies and is affecting their motivation. Full story.