Heavy snowfall hits Japan on election day, some polling stations to close early

0 February 8, 2026 04:08

Heavy snowfall blanketed large parts of Japan on election day, raising concerns that severe weather could affect voter turnout.

Authorities had earlier said around 40 percent of polling stations may close early as record snowfall hits multiple regions. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued “significant heavy snowfall” warnings for Tottori, Fukui and Kyoto prefectures, with coastal areas from northern to western Japan facing dangerous conditions.

In the western Kinki region, up to 70 centimetres of snow is expected within 24 hours. Tokyo and the wider Kanto region have also seen steady snowfall since Saturday, with the capital covered by about 5 centimetres of snow.

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