Japan Grapples with Deadly Winter as Snowfall and Natural Disasters Claim Dozens of Lives
Japan is facing a mounting toll from harsh winter conditions and a series of natural disasters, with at least 27 people confirmed dead in incidents related to heavy snowfall over the past two weeks, according to the country’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency. The ongoing crisis is unfolding as the nation also contends with the aftermath of a significant earthquake in Taiwan and a recent typhoon.
As of , Niigata Prefecture, located on the Sea of Japan coast, has been hardest hit, reporting 12 fatalities. Six deaths have been recorded in Akita Prefecture, in northern Japan, and three in Hokkaido, the northernmost prefecture. Aomori, also in northern Japan, has seen two deaths, while Iwate, Yamagata, Nagano, and Shimane prefectures each reported one fatality.
Recent incidents in Niigata Prefecture involved two men who were swept away in a waterway designated for snow disposal while engaged in snow removal efforts on . Other deaths have been attributed to individuals falling from roofs or succumbing to sudden illness while at work or during breaks, reportedly.
Beyond the fatalities, a total of 290 people have sustained injuries, some of which are described as serious, due to snow-related incidents. The scale of the impact underscores the challenges posed by Japan’s severe winter weather.
The heavy snowfall comes as Japan is also responding to other natural disasters in the region. A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the eastern coast of Taiwan on , resulting in nine deaths, hundreds of injuries, and leaving over 70 people trapped in Hualien.
Further south, at least six people have died in Japan as Typhoon Shanshan moved through the region.
In Myanmar, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck, ranking among the top 10 largest earthquakes ever recorded globally. While the immediate impact in Myanmar is not detailed in available reports, the event highlights the seismic activity in the region.
Japan has also experienced a record number of bear-related casualties, with escalating attacks reported throughout 2025. The country is described as the “world’s bear attack capital,” having recorded 100 attacks and a record number of deaths last year. This situation is compounded by the heavy snowfall, potentially driving bears closer to populated areas in search of food.
