We've listed our five most read stories on The Mainichi news site, from top to bottom, that were published between Jan. 4 and 12. The first story was viewed by 22% of our regular readers. (The Mainichi)

Bullet trains delayed in west Japan after passenger hits emergency button over ticket inquiry

OSAKA -- A passenger on a bullet train that had stopped at Okayama Station on the Sanyo Shinkansen Line on Jan. 5 pushed an emergency button to inquire about tickets with a conductor, causing 14 trains to be delayed, the operator announced. Full story.

Japan convenience stores filling role as local safety refuges as police presence declines

SAPPORO -- Japan's convenience stores are taking on tasks once handled by the dwindling number of local police boxes, instituting measures to respond to emergencies including those involving women and children. In some cases, employees are forced to make life-or-death decisions. How much responsibility should these shops have to bear? Full story.

Rising anti-Kurd hate in Japan's Saitama Pref. fueled by online agitation, outside groups

SAITAMA -- "Leave Japan, you terrorist. Get out of Japan, you idiot."

In December 2023, a Kurdish man in his 30s living in Saitama Prefecture received a barrage of hateful phone calls at the restaurant he owns and operates. The moment he picked up the phone, he was met with a man's voice shouting abuse. The calls kept coming, disrupting the restaurant's business. Full story.

Fear and regret: Japan shop owner recalls paying for gang 'protection' for years

FUKUOKA -- Gangs for many years collected "protection money" from businesses in the suburbs between the major cities of Fukuoka and Kitakyushu, an investigation by Fukuoka Prefectural Police has revealed. Full story.

Japan 'resignation agency' receives record-high number of inquiries after 9-day holiday

TOKYO -- A resignation agency handling negotiations with companies on behalf of people quitting their jobs saw a surge in consultations on Jan. 6, as many companies and public offices returned to work after the New Year break. Full story.