We've listed our five most read stories on The Mainichi news site, from top to bottom, that were published between March 15 and 23. The first story was viewed by 20.8% of our regular readers. (The Mainichi)

Japan schools' 'neutrality' revictimizing kids enduring sexual violence by fellow students

SAPPORO -- In a number of cases, children in Japan are becoming victims of sexual crimes committed by fellow students and need to change schools or are revictimized due to the actions of school staff concerned about neutrality. Full story.

'Severe ineptitude': Bullying case file viewed by other students at elite Japan school

TOKYO -- A confidential file documenting the bullying of a sixth-grade boy at the elementary school attached to the University of Tsukuba here was seen by at least three other students after what officials called "severe ineptitude in information management," sources close to the matter have revealed. Full story.

4-yr-old fatally falls from Fukuoka hotel while dad was out; expert warns of risks

FUKUOKA -- A 4-year-old boy died here during the early hours of March 15 after likely falling from the hotel room where he was staying with his father.

The 41-year-old father from Nagoya found the boy on the ground in front of the hotel in Fukuoka's Hakata Ward and called the emergency services at around 2 a.m., saying he might have fallen from the building. The child was confirmed dead at a hospital about 90 minutes later. Full story.

Tariffed imported rice still popular, cheaper than Japan's domestic grain

TOKYO -- With domestic rice prices remaining high in Japan, demand is increasing for cheaper imported grain. The agriculture ministry hopes to bring down surging prices by releasing government-stockpiled rice, but will imports' popularity persist? Full story.

Tokyo school operator required nondisclosure 'pledge' from parents: Mainichi exclusive

TOKYO -- A school operator in the Tokyo suburbs required parents of newly enrolled students to submit a written pledge promising not to leak internal school information to outside parties, sources have told the Mainichi Shimbun. Full story.