On January 1, 2025, Japan is expected to have clear skies in many areas, particularly on the Pacific side, due to a winter pressure pattern. However, snow will continue in mountainous regions from Hokkaido to Hokuriku. Snowfall amounts in the past 6 hours include 18 cm in Sapporo, 14 cm in Akita, and 13 cm in Yamagata.
Over the next 24 hours, heavy snowfall is expected in Hokkaido (30 cm), Tohoku (20 cm), and Hokuriku, including Niigata (15 cm). From the morning of January 2 to January 3, snowfall is predicted to reach 40 cm in Tohoku and 30 cm in Hokkaido and Hokuriku.
One year after the Noto Peninsula earthquake, Wajima City’s Asaichi Street, a former tourist spot, has seen significant progress in demolition and removal of damaged structures. However, some collapsed buildings remain, and heavy machinery is still on-site. A memorial service is being held today to mark the anniversary.
The Noto Peninsula earthquake, which occurred on January 1, 2024, resulted in 504 deaths across Ishikawa, Toyama, and Niigata prefectures. Of these, 276 were classified as disaster-related deaths, and the number may increase as further applications from bereaved families are reviewed.
A survey of temporary housing residents in the Noto Peninsula region revealed that 84% feel anxious about the future. Key concerns include the possibility of another earthquake or tsunami (68%), securing housing (53%), and personal or family health (50%).
The Japanese government aims to establish a Disaster Prevention Agency by fiscal year 2026. Discussions will focus on strengthening pre-disaster measures, improving evacuation center conditions, and utilizing digital technology in disaster prevention. An expert panel will begin meetings in January 2025 to outline policy directions by summer.
On December 31, 2024, Russia launched missile and drone attacks on Kyiv and Sumy Oblast, injuring one person. Ukraine’s Defense Ministry reported that its special forces used drones to damage a Russian helicopter in Crimea. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a New Year’s address, expressed confidence in Russia’s progress and declared 2025 as the 'Year of the Defender of the Fatherland.'
Shohei Ohtani, who led the Dodgers to a World Series victory in 2024, aims to return as a pitcher in the 2025 season after recovering from shoulder surgery. He has resumed bullpen sessions but acknowledges that another elbow surgery could end his two-way player career. The Dodgers will open their season in Japan against the Cubs in March.
In 2024, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by approximately 12.9%, driven by the generative AI boom, expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts, and optimism about former President Trump’s policies. On December 31, the Dow closed at 42,544.22, down 29.51 points from the previous day.
On January 1, 2025, temperatures across Japan will be colder than the previous day, with highs of 21°C in Naha, 15°C in Kagoshima, 12°C in Tokyo, 9°C in Kanazawa, 6°C in Niigata, and 0°C in Sapporo. The day will feel like midwinter, with temperatures below average for the season.