Key Points
- Casualty Update: At least 35 people have died and 393 others have been injured, with 126 in serious condition as of Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
- Hardest Hit Areas: Niigata Prefecture reports the highest toll with 12 deaths, followed by Akita with 7 and Yamagata with 5 fatalities.
- Record Accumulation: Aomori City recorded 183 centimeters of snow, its highest accumulation in 40 years, while some areas reached depths of 2 meters.
- Infrastructure Damage: Over 14 homes have been destroyed and 1,700 households remain without electricity as bullet trains and local transport face widespread suspension.
- Government Action: Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has ordered the deployment of troops to assist elderly residents and clear vital transport routes.
A brutal winter weather system, driven by a persistent cold air mass from the Arctic, has paralyzed northern and central Japan, leading to a mounting humanitarian crisis. Over the last fortnight, record,breaking snowfall has blanketed 15 prefectures, transforming the landscape into what local residents have described as a “white death.” As of Wednesday, government officials have confirmed 35 fatalities, making this one of the deadliest snow events in recent years.
Regional Impact and Fatalities
The Sea of Japan coast has borne the brunt of the storm. Niigata Prefecture, a vital rice,producing hub, has recorded 12 deaths. Many of the victims were elderly residents who suffered accidents while attempting to clear heavy snow from their property. In Uonuma City, a man in his 50s was found collapsed on his roof, while in Nagaoka, a 70 year old man died after a fall from a height.
Aomori Prefecture has also seen unprecedented levels of accumulation, with snow depths reaching 183 centimeters, breaking a 40,year record set in 1986. Governor Soichiro Miyashita has described the situation as “life,threatening,” noting that walls of snow as high as 1.8 meters have prevented even emergency staff from reporting to work.
Tragic Accidents and Infrastructure Damage
Investigations into the fatalities reveal a recurring pattern of accidents. Beyond falls from rooftops, several victims suffered sudden heart attacks due to the physical strain of snow removal. In one harrowing incident in Aomori, a 91,year,old woman was found buried under a three,meter pile of snow outside her home, with the cause of death identified as suffocation.
The disaster has also taken a toll on infrastructure. At least 14 houses have completely collapsed under the weight of the snow. Transportation has reached a standstill in several regions, with bullet train services suspended and thousands of schoolchildren affected by the closure of local schools.
Government Response and Warnings
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara has warned that while temperatures may fluctuate, the danger is far from over. As the weather warms slightly, the risk of avalanches and landslides increases significantly due to melting snow. “Please pay close attention to your safety, wearing a helmet or using a lifeline rope when working,” Kihara urged the public during a press briefing.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi convened a special cabinet,level task force on Tuesday, authorizing the deployment of the Self,Defense Forces (SDF) to the hardest,hit areas. SDF personnel are currently prioritized for “disaster relief,” which includes clearing main roads for ambulances and assisting the elderly who live alone in isolated communities.
Outlook and Preparedness
With further heavy snowfall predicted for the upcoming weekend, authorities remain on high alert. Meteorological officials have noted that some areas are experiencing more than double their usual seasonal volume. Residents are being encouraged to stay indoors whenever possible and to coordinate with neighbors during snow removal efforts to ensure no one is working alone in dangerous conditions. As the nation prepares for more precipitation, the focus remains on preventing further structural collapses and ensuring that emergency services can navigate the blocked arteries of northern Japan.
