Japan Snow Deaths: Dozens Killed as Record Snowfall Triggers Accidents & Avalanches

Record-breaking snowfall across northern Japan has claimed at least 35 lives and injured nearly 400 people since January 20th, authorities say, as the country braces for further severe weather this weekend.

The heaviest snowfall in decades has brought chaos to 15 of Japan’s 47 prefectures, with some areas reporting accumulations reaching 6.5 feet (2 meters). The conditions have disrupted transport networks, left thousands without power, and complicated rescue efforts.

The majority of fatalities have occurred as residents attempted to clear snow from roofs and around their homes, according to officials. The dangers are compounded by the physical strain of removing such heavy accumulations and the risk of falling from heights. In Niigata prefecture, 12 deaths have been reported, including a man found collapsed on his roof and a 70-year-old who fell from his house while clearing snow. Aomori prefecture has also seen four fatalities.

The extreme weather has also impacted foreign nationals visiting and working in Japan. Wednesday, Michael Hurst, a 27-year-old Australian man working at a ski resort in Niseko, Hokkaido, died after collapsing and falling while skiing. Earlier this month, Brooke Day, a 22-year-old Australian woman, died at a resort in Nagano prefecture after her backpack became entangled in a ski lift.

The Sea of Japan region is experiencing unusually heavy snowfall due to cold air masses originating from the Arctic. The situation is particularly challenging in areas near the coast, where the combination of cold temperatures and moisture-laden air creates ideal conditions for intense snowstorms.

Emergency services are struggling to reach those in need in some areas, with roads blocked by deep drifts. In Aomori prefecture, emergency workers have been forced to search for individuals on foot, carrying stretchers to navigate the impassable terrain. “We anticipate some roads might get blocked off, and so we are consulting with services that can help with ambulances and fire trucks to get through to their destinations,” said local governor Soichiro Miyashita.

While more snow is forecast for some regions, officials are also warning of new hazards as temperatures begin to rise. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara urged residents to exercise caution as the snow melts, citing the increased risk of avalanches and slippery surfaces. “Please pay close attention to your safety, wearing a helmet or using a lifeline rope, especially when working on clearing snow,” Kihara told reporters.

The current crisis follows a winter that has already seen significant snowfall across Japan. Last year, 68 people died during the six-month winter period, according to official figures. The scale of this year’s snowfall, however, appears to be exceeding previous levels in many areas.

The heavy snow is also creating challenges beyond immediate safety concerns. Over 1,700 homes in Aomori prefecture remain without electricity, and regular and bullet train services have been cancelled. The impending snap election, called by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to strengthen her hold on power, is also threatened by the conditions, with concerns raised about voter turnout in snowbound regions.

Japan is accustomed to heavy snowfall, but authorities say the conditions this winter are particularly severe. The combination of record accumulations, widespread disruption, and the tragic loss of life underscores the vulnerability of communities to extreme weather events, even in a country well-prepared for winter conditions. The government has established task forces and deployed resources to the worst-affected regions, but the challenges remain significant as the country prepares for further snowfall and the potential for increased risks as the snow begins to melt.