Unprecedented snowfall across Japan has left at least 30 people dead over the past fortnight, authorities said. Among the victims was a 91-year-old woman discovered buried beneath nearly three metres of snow outside her home, as severe winter conditions continue to overwhelm several regions.
The intensity of the snowfall has pushed the government of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to activate emergency measures. On Tuesday, troops were deployed to assist local authorities in affected areas, following requests from regional leaders struggling to cope with the mounting risks. National broadcaster NHK reported that residents have been urged to remain alert to the dangers posed by avalanches and large volumes of snow sliding off rooftops, while warnings have also been issued about possible power outages in the worst-hit locations.
Northern Japan has borne the brunt of the snowfall. In Aomori city, snow depth reached around 175 centimetres by Tuesday, more than twice the seasonal average. Earlier in the week, some districts recorded as much as 183 centimetres, surpassing a 40-year record set in 1986. Governor Soichiro Miyashita said he formally requested military disaster relief, pointing to the vulnerability of elderly residents, many of whom live alone and are physically unable to clear heavy snow.
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“The risk of fatal accidents, whether from collapsing structures or falling snow from rooftops, is extremely high,” Miyashita said, warning that the situation could deteriorate further without urgent intervention. Several other cities across northern and northwestern Japan have also reported snow accumulation exceeding 135 centimetres, adding pressure on local infrastructure and emergency services.
According to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, the 30 deaths recorded since January 20 were caused by a range of incidents linked to the snow. NHK reported that in Niigata prefecture, at least two men were swept into a snow-disposal waterway while clearing snow. Other victims are believed to have fallen from roofs or suffered sudden medical emergencies while working in freezing conditions.
Meteorological officials say the extreme weather is being driven by a persistent cold air mass from the Arctic hovering over the Japanese archipelago, resulting in snowfall volumes far above normal levels in some areas. The broader impact of the conditions remains uncertain, including whether they could disrupt parliamentary elections scheduled for Sunday.
In response, Prime Minister Takaichi convened an emergency cabinet-level meeting on Tuesday, instructing ministers to prioritise measures aimed at preventing further deaths and accidents as the severe winter shows little sign of easing.