At least ten people were killed across Japan in late January 2026 as heavy snowfall and repeated cold waves affected wide areas of the country. Sapporo surpassed total accumulations of over 1 m (3.3 feet) for the first time since 2022 on Sunday, January 25, while accumulations at Hakkōda Mountains in Aomori reached around 4.5 m (14.8 feet) by Monday, January 26. More snow and strong winds are forecast along the Sea of Japan coast through this week as a cold air mass intensifies.
At least ten fatalities were reported over the last week as harsh winter weather intensified across northern and central Japan.
At least six people died in Niigata Prefecture alone along the Sea of Japan coast. Two people were killed by falling snow from rooftops in the Nagaoka city area, while four others died while clearing snow in different parts of the prefecture.
Hokkaido, Akita, Yamagata, and Shimane prefectures reported one death each, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency (FDMA) reported.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said that a series of strong cold waves produced widespread snowfall across Hokkaido, northern Tohoku, and the Hokuriku region. Although the main snowfall peak has passed, accumulations have already exceeded the annual average in many observation areas.
Roads were buried across the region as snowfall totals reached the first floors of homes in some areas. Sapporo City in Hokkaido recorded 54 cm (21.3 inches) of snow in the 24 hours through Sunday night, setting a new January record. Meanwhile, total accumulation reached 112 cm (44.1 inches) by Sunday evening, surpassing the 100 cm (40 inches) mark for the first time since 2022.
By 11:00 local time (LT) on Monday, snowfall totals reached 250 cm (98.4 inches) in Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture, 163 cm (64.2 inches) in Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture, 129 cm (50.8 inches) in Aomori City, 54 cm (21.3 inches) in Kanazawa City, and 38 cm (15 inches) in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture.
In Hokkaido, around 7 000 people spent the night at New Chitose Airport after snow and strong winds halted flights and rail operations. Hundreds of train services were suspended across northern and western Japan as snow removal and road clearing continued.
Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious of avalanches, falling snow, and accidents during snow removal. Local governments advised working in pairs or groups and using safety ropes, helmets, and secured ladders.
Heavy snow is forecast to continue through this week as a low-pressure system over the Sea of Japan intensifies from Tuesday, bringing renewed snowfall and strong winds from Hokkaido to the Hokuriku region.
Some areas in the Chugoku region may experience rain as temperatures rise, but further heavy snow is expected along the Sea of Japan coast from northern to western Japan on Thursday and Friday as a new cold air mass moves south.
References:
1 Cold waves bring record snowfalls across Japan – NHK – January 26, 2026
2 Four dead after heavy snow pounds Sea of Japan coast – Japan Times – January 23, 2026
Featured image credit: Walker Japan 4k
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