Unusually heavy snowfall across Japan has claimed the lives of at least 30 people over the past two weeks, officials said, in what has become one of the most severe winter weather events in recent years.
The Sea of Japan coast and northern regions such as Aomori and parts of Honshu have seen extraordinary snow accumulation — in some places up to 4.5 metres (about 15 feet) — overwhelming local communities and making travel and daily life extremely difficult.
Most fatalities have been linked to snow-related accidents, including incidents where heavy snow has fallen from rooftops or buried pathways around homes. Among those reported was a 91-year-old woman in Aomori whose body was found under a large pile of snow outside her residence.
The government has mobilized troops from the Self-Defence Forces to assist with snow removal and disaster relief efforts, particularly in hard-hit areas. Thousands of snow plows are working to clear thousands of kilometers of roads while efforts continue to reopen major transport routes disrupted by the extreme weather.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held a special Cabinet meeting to coordinate measures aimed at preventing further deaths and accidents and to support affected residents.
Authorities have urged people living in regions with heavy snowfall to stay alert, follow weather updates, and take precautions, especially when clearing snow from roofs or around homes.