Japan’s heavy snowfall deaths and injuries have surged as relentless snowstorms continue to batter large parts of the country, leaving dozens dead and hundreds injured, according to official authorities.
Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported that severe snowfall since January 20 has caused widespread damage. The impact has been most severe in the northwestern regions, where heavy snow has disrupted daily life and emergency response efforts.
Officials said Niigata Prefecture recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 17 deaths and more than 170 injuries linked to snow-related incidents. Other regions have also reported injuries caused by accidents, falls, and exposure to extreme weather.
The ongoing storms have strained local infrastructure, prompting authorities to issue repeated safety advisories.
【桝田アナ天気】寒波のピークは今夜から
｜
兵庫・鳥取・島根に大雪警報が発表(午後10時時点)。この後は日本海側だけでなく関東でも雪のピークになりそう
▼東京都心でも数cmの積雪の恐れ
今回の雪の特徴は夏のゲリラ雷雨のように急にあちこちで雪雲がわき、沿岸部でも警報級の大雪になる可能性… pic.twitter.com/ttdWY5e68b
— 報道ステーション＋サタステ (@hst_tvasahi) February 7, 2026Heavy snow has blanketed major roads in several cities, including Aomori and Wakkanai. As a result, transportation has been severely affected, with numerous vehicles stranded and road closures reported.
Rail and local transport services have also faced delays, complicating travel for residents and emergency services alike.
Weather warnings and safety alerts
The weather forecast calls for additional heavy snowfall over the weekend, particularly along the western and northern coastal areas. Residents have been urged to remain cautious and limit unnecessary travel.
The agency also warned of heightened avalanche risks and further traffic disruptions across snow-prone regions from northern to western Japan.
Heavy snowfall since January 20 has left 45 people dead and 540 injured across Japan. https://t.co/7TPZvehry9 pic.twitter.com/0hbR0VKHDf
— CGTN (@CGTNOfficial) February 7, 2026Japan has experienced unusually intense snowfall this season, especially along the Sea of Japan coast. Some areas reported snow depths exceeding 4.5 meters, underscoring the severity of the weather conditions.
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In certain locations, snowfall surpassed a long-standing 40-year record set in 1986. Authorities have described the situation as one of the most challenging winter weather events in decades.
The central government has instructed local administrations to take all possible measures to prevent further loss of life and reduce accident risks. Emergency teams remain on high alert as snowfall continues.
The weather crisis comes as Japan prepares for a general election scheduled for Sunday, February 8, 2026. Officials are monitoring the situation closely to ensure public safety during the polling period.
