We've listed our five most read stories on The Mainichi news site, from top to bottom, that were published between Nov. 9 and 17. The first story was viewed by 23% of our regular readers. (The Mainichi)

Japan ranks 92nd in English proficiency, lowest ever: survey

TOKYO -- Japan ranked a record low 92nd in the 2024 English proficiency ranking of 116 countries and regions where English is not the native language, the Japanese subsidiary of a Swiss international education company announced on Nov. 13. Full story.

Social media reactions over China hotel refusing guest highlight anti-Japan sentiment

BEIJING (Mainichi) -- A viral video showing a hotel staffer in China allegedly refusing to accommodate a Japanese guest based on nationality has elicited noticeable support on social media, highlighting the deep-rooted anti-Japanese public opinion in the country. Full story.

Headache after drinking red wine? Avoid 'natural,' 'organic' labels: Japan expert

TOKYO -- An expert in Japan is advising consumers who get headaches from drinking red wine to avoid anything labeled "natural" or "organic" due to potentially high content of compounds called "biogenic amines." Full story.

Man dies after Japan medics thought he had passed away, failed to take him to hospital

HANDA, Aichi -- A man in his 70s died on Nov. 10 after paramedics mistakenly assumed that he had passed away in his apartment, and failed to transport him to the hospital, a local fire department here announced the following day. Full story.

Cameras installed at Japan day care after shoe thefts uncover unexpected culprit

KOGA, Fukuoka -- More than a dozen indoor shoes were stolen from a child care facility here in early November, and security cameras installed by police uncovered the culprit -- apparently a weasel. Full story.