The death toll from severe snowfall and cold weather across Japan since January 20 has risen to 35, with 358 people injured, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency (FDMA). Niigata recorded the highest number of deaths with 12, followed by Akita, Yamagata, Hokkaido, and Aomori.
Authorities said 126 people were seriously injured and 232 sustained minor injuries nationwide. Local media reported that some fatalities occurred while residents were clearing snow from rooftops, as snow depth exceeded two meters in many areas and reached a record 4.5 meters in parts of Aomori.