Deception in love and a literary journey abroad: Our 5 most-read stories from last week

We’ve listed our five most read stories on The Mainichi news site, from top to bottom, that were published between December 27 and January 4. The first story was viewed by 14.9% of our regular readers. (The Mainichi)

Japan woman reveals emotional wounds in court after being deceived by fake ‘single’ man

TOKYO — She dated him because he claimed he was single, but he really had a wife and child.

Maiko (a pseudonym) found her life turned upside down by the deliberate lie. She filed a lawsuit seeking damages from the man. On Dec. 8, the Tokyo District Court ordered the defendant to pay approximately 1.51 million yen (about $9,700) in damages, which has since been finalized.Full story.

Literary romance: Japanese author’s adventures working, and living, in Jordanian bookstore

TOKYO — Falling in love with a Middle Eastern bookstore through a photograph, a university student decided to not just work there but to live there as well. A book recounting this adventure tale was published in June 2025 and has become a bestseller, now in its third printing in less than six months.Full story.

‘Mom is annoying’ wins grand prize at Tokyo temple’s 2025 ‘grudge memorial festival’

TOKYO — “I can’t muster strength as I age,” “Wages aren’t rising,” “Why is it OK for you but not for others?” “I hate studying” — these were just some of the complaints shared by participants at the annual “grudge memorial festival” held at Gonnenji temple in the capital’s Taito Ward.Full story.

How is Japan revising ‘equal pay for equal work’ guidelines?

The Mainichi Shimbun answers some questions readers may have about Japan’s revision of guidelines on “equal pay for equal work.”Full story.

Editorial: Japan’s free childbirth system must protect all pregnant women

Japan’s medical system is on the brink of a major shift in how childbirth is handled. The government plans to bring childbirth — currently classified as an elective service excluded from public health insurance — under the public insurance system, even though it has traditionally been treated differently from illness or injury.Full story.