As of February 3, 2026, the death toll from unusually heavy snowfall in Japan has risen to 30 people over the past two weeks.
The Fire and Disaster Management Agency confirmed the casualties since January 20, with hundreds more injured as record-breaking winter storms batter northern and western regions.
Niigata Prefecture reported the highest toll with 12 fatalities, followed by Akita (6) and Aomori (4).
Most victims died while attempting to remove snow from rooftops or were buried by falling drifts. Notable cases include a 91-year-old woman found under a three-metre pile outside her home in Aomori.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has ordered the deployment of Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to assist in snow removal in Aomori, where snow depths have reached 4.5 metres (15 feet) in some remote areas.
Record snowfall has paralyzed transport, stranding hundreds of vehicles and forcing the closure of major highways and airports in Hokkaido and Tohoku.
Officials warn the extreme weather could dampen voter turnout for the national general elections scheduled for Sunday, February 8, 2026.
The Japan Meteorological Agency continues to warn of avalanches and roof collapses as a powerful cold air mass lingers over the archipelago.
By Anthony Solly
