We've listed our five most read stories on The Mainichi news site, from top to bottom, that were published between Jan. 25 and Feb. 2. The first story was viewed by 27% of our regular readers. (The Mainichi)

Osaka is attracting new foreign residents by the thousands. What's the appeal?

OSAKA -- Osaka has taken the lead in Japan's social population growth for the second consecutive year, with foreign residents making up more than half of the city's newcomers. Full story.

Depopulation prompts Japan convenience store chain to introduce sole-manager system

TOKYO -- Major convenience store operator FamilyMart Co. has conventionally been franchised to teams of two, often husband and wife, but recent changes to franchisee contracts have allowed shops to be run by solo managers. The company's move comes as Japan's population decline has triggered a labor shortage in the industry, which has become a key part of social infrastructure in the country. Full story.

3 newborns infected with 'echovirus 11' die in Tokyo

TOKYO -- Three newborns infected with echovirus 11 (E11), which causes the common cold, died of acute liver failure and other illnesses in Tokyo between the summer and fall of 2024, a survey by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) has revealed. Full story.

Hokkaido city boosts measures to improve foreign tourists' manners

OTARU, Hokkaido -- This northern Japanese city implemented new measures on Jan. 28 to address repeated instances of disruptive behavior by foreign tourists. Full story.

Turkish girl expelled from Japan primary school over residency status to be reinstated

SAITAMA -- An 11-year-old Turkish girl was mistakenly expelled from her elementary school here last fall after losing her residency status, the Saitama Municipal Board of Education revealed at a Jan. 24 press conference. Full story.