Relentless heavy snowfall across Japan's northern and western regions since January 20, 2026, has claimed at least 35 lives and injured nearly 400 people as of February 6, per the Fire and Disaster Management Agency's latest update. Most victims, often elderly, died from roof collapses, falls while shoveling, heart attacks amid extreme exertion, or being buried under snowdrifts up to 3 meters deep; Niigata (12 deaths), Akita (7), and Aomori (8) bore the brunt.
Northern cities like Aomori shattered 40-year records with 183 cm (72 inches) in one day, doubling typical accumulations and prompting military deployments for rooftop clearing and rescues. Highways closed, stranding thousands; over 1,700 homes lost power, bullet trains slowed, and airports canceled 80% of flights. Warmer weather risks avalanches and meltdowns, with officials warning of further incidents ahead of elections.
Authorities mobilized Self-Defense Forces, urging heating checks and travel bans amid Arctic cold masses fueling the "once-in-a-generation" storm—one of the deadliest since 2018's 100+ fatalities. Recovery costs hit billions of yen, with hospitals overwhelmed by cold-related cases.
