Heavy snow kills 45, injures 540 across Japan

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Sapporo's snowfall exceeded the annual average, leading to disruptions in transportation services. People walk on a street in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, January 26, 2026. /AFLO via VCG

Heavy snowfall since January 20 has left 45 people dead and 540 injured across Japan, according to data released on Saturday by the Fire and Disaster Management Agency.

Casualties have been reported in multiple areas, including Niigata Prefecture, Akita Prefecture and Hokkaido. Niigata was among the hardest-hit regions, with 17 fatalities recorded.

Driven by winter pressure patterns, persistent heavy snowfall has affected wide swathes of Japan along the Sea of Japan coast in recent days. Snowfall was also observed on Friday in areas such as Tokyo, where snow is usually rare.

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