Overview
- The Sapporo District Meteorological Observatory warned of heavy snow and blizzard conditions on December 28, especially in northern Hokkaido and along the Sea of Japan side, urging caution over traffic hazards.
- JR operators reported roughly 150 cancellations with the Sapporo–Asahikawa limited express suspended until around 6 p.m.
- Narita Airport’s international departure lobbies were packed on December 28 as outbound travel reached its year-end peak.
- In Osaka, a passenger car struck multiple pedestrians near Namba Station on December 27, leaving three injured as police and fire officials investigate.
- Tokyo’s Tama Zoological Park reported a wolf escape around 10 a.m. on December 28, confirming the animal remained inside the grounds with capture efforts underway and no injuries reported.