We've listed our five most read stories on The Mainichi news site, from top to bottom, that were published between Oct. 26 and Nov. 3. The first story was viewed by 20% of our regular readers. (The Mainichi)

Aging Japan aims to attract talent, but what is life like for foreign workers?

KITAKYUSHU -- As Japan's population declines, foreign workers can be spotted in a growing number of places. Taking them in is part of the national government's strategy to deal with labor shortages, but many of the workers are dealing with issues stemming from being in an unfamiliar environment or facing harsh working conditions. Full story.

Fuji TV stripped of press passes for Japan Series after airing World Series program

The Nippon Professional Baseball Organization (NPB) canceled press passes for Fuji Television Network Inc. for the first and second games of the Japan Series championships held on Oct. 26 and 27, sources close to the matter have revealed. Full story.

French artist arrested over facial hair graffiti on poster of Japan election candidate

KYOTO -- A French self-proclaimed artist was arrested on Oct. 30 for allegedly drawing facial hair on the campaign poster of a candidate in Japan's recent House of Representatives election. Full story.

Tokyo Customs fails to ask tourists to pay over $2.22M in tax for missing duty-free items

TOKYO -- Tokyo Customs failed to ask inbound foreign tourists to pay at least 339.87 million yen (about $2.22 million) in consumption tax for failing to present their duty-free purchases when leaving the country in fiscal 2022 and 2023, the Board of Audit of Japan has found. Full story.

Hokkaido schoolboy sexually harassed, hung upside down in serious case of bullying

SAPPORO -- The Hokkaido Prefectural Board of Education revealed on Oct. 25 that a freshman at a prefectural high school was sexually harassed and hung upside down in a school bathroom, among other types of bullying by senior students in 2022. Full story.