Severe winter storms have left at least 30 people dead across Japan this week, with record snowfall paralyzing transportation networks and triggering emergency response measures. The hardest-hit regions include Hokuriku along the Sea of Japan coast and the Kanto-Koshin area near Tokyo, where snow accumulations surpassed 2 meters in some locations.
Meteorological officials attribute the extreme weather to a collision of cold air masses from Siberia and low-pressure systems over the Pacific. Over 600 flights have been canceled since February 3, while bullet train services between Tokyo and Niigata remain suspended as of February 6. Local authorities report at least 120 weather-related injuries, with many residents trapped in isolated mountain communities.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced the deployment of 8,000 Self-Defense Forces personnel for rescue operations, stating: "We're prioritizing elderly residents and ensuring continuous power supply to medical facilities." The storms have caused estimated economic losses exceeding ¥45 billion ($380 million), particularly impacting automotive and electronics manufacturing hubs.
Climate researchers note this event continues 2026's pattern of intensified winter precipitation across East Asia, with similar extreme snowfall reported in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and northeastern China earlier this month. Travelers are advised to monitor Japan Meteorological Agency alerts through February 15 as another cold front approaches.
