Heavy snowfall is expected due to the influence of strong cold air in the upper atmosphere, particularly along the Sea of Japan side of Honshu. The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned of potential traffic disruptions caused by snow accumulation and blizzards.
As of 6 PM on January 8th, snowfall records include 61 cm in Uwanuma, Niigata Prefecture, and 48 cm in Shirakawa Village, Gifu Prefecture, and Ōno City, Fukui Prefecture.
Apple farmers in Hirosaki City, Japan's top apple-producing region, are struggling with snow accumulation reaching human height. The Hirosaki Apple Association has established a snow countermeasures headquarters to minimize damage, but snow removal is challenging due to broken branches and difficult access to orchards.
Authorities are urging people to avoid unnecessary travel, use winter tires or chains, and reconsider driving routes. Additionally, they warn of potential power outages due to heavy, wet snow and the risk of accidents during snow removal, such as roof collapses or falls.
The price of cabbage has surged due to a severe rain shortage in December, which reduced precipitation to just 10% of the average. This has delayed cabbage growth, with shipments in Chiba Prefecture, a major producer, being less than half of the usual volume.
Donald Trump suggested that the U.S. should own Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory, and proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the 'American Gulf.' He also hinted at imposing high tariffs on Denmark if they resist the idea of selling Greenland.
The meeting was described as unproductive by the confederation members, who expressed disappointment. They requested Japan's participation as an observer in the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons meeting, but no concrete response was received from the Prime Minister.
NHK plans to expand its online services, including simultaneous streaming of TV and radio programs, catch-up services, and distribution of news articles. The goal is to provide accurate and reliable information both on broadcast and online platforms to support a healthy democracy.
The Syrian interim government has postponed a planned national dialogue conference aimed at discussing the country's future. The delay comes amid ongoing instability, including clashes between Kurdish forces and Turkish-backed armed groups, and the detention of over 950 former regime soldiers.