Overview
- The Japan Meteorological Agency warns that a strengthened winter pattern will bring heavy snow in Tohoku through January 1, with risks to transport, avalanches and roof falls.
- Forecasts call for up to 70 centimeters of snow in mountain areas and 40–50 centimeters on plains over successive 24-hour periods through 6 p.m. on January 1.
- Okinawa enters a packed 2026 voting calendar featuring unified local elections followed by the Naha mayoral race and a high-profile gubernatorial contest.
- Governor Denny Tamaki has indicated readiness to seek a third term and holds broad backing from the All Okinawa coalition, with a formal declaration anticipated.
- Parties are accelerating candidate preparations as the government advances pre-disaster measures, including plans for a Disaster Agency and new weather information slated to start in May.