We've listed our five most read stories on The Mainichi news site, from top to bottom, that were published between Dec. 21 and 29. The first story was viewed by 16% of our regular readers. (The Mainichi)

Male passenger found alive on tracks after strange noise stops Japan bullet train

TOKYO -- A passenger believed to be in his 60s, who walked along the railroad tracks and went missing after a train on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line stopped due to an abnormal sound on Dec. 25, has been found alive. Full story.

Japan's FamilyMart unveils 'crying' discount labels to help cut food loss

TOKYO -- Japanese convenience store chain FamilyMart Co. on Dec. 25 unveiled new discount labels for its "onigiri" rice balls, bento boxes and other items intended to help cut down on food wastage with a tearfully pleading character. Full story.

2024 Rewind: Can Japan transform into a legitimate immigrant nation?

As of June 2024, a record 3.59 million foreign nationals lived in Japan, playing a vital role in society. During the year, however, the immigration law was revised to enforce stricter deportation of those without valid residency and to simplify the revocation of permanent resident status. The Mainichi reflects on articles that examined such developments and other issues that impact the human rights of non-Japanese residents. Full story.

Perfume tops list of unwelcome Christmas gifts among Japanese, candles second: survey

TOKYO -- Perfume and candles ranked first and second, respectively, as gifts people in Japan do not want to receive for Christmas, according to a survey conducted by a U.S.-based online language learning service operator. Full story.

'Coughing, sneezing' chosen as most annoying behavior on trains for 1st time: Japan survey

TOKYO -- "Coughing and sneezing without consideration for others" topped the list of annoying behavior on trains and at stations for the first time in a survey by the Japan Private Railway Association. Full story.