Japan is experiencing severe winter weather disruptions as heavy snowfall has caused multiple fatal accidents and widespread transportation cancellations, creating significant challenges for travelers during the year-end holiday period. On the evening of December 26, a catastrophic multi-vehicle pileup involving more than 50 vehicles occurred on the Kan-Etsu Expressway in Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture, according to NHK. The accident resulted in one fatality and 26 injuries. Police reported that snow had accumulated on the road surface at the time, causing vehicles to slip and collide in chain-reaction crashes. Separately, some vehicles caught fire during the incident, compounding the emergency response challenges. The Gunma incident was not isolated. Earlier that same morning in Matsukawa Village, Nagano Prefecture, a four-vehicle accident involving a crane truck and passenger vehicles resulted in one death and two injuries. Police suspect that icy road conditions caused vehicles to slip, leading to a head-on collision and subsequent fire. Additionally, on the Tottori Expressway's southbound lanes in Okayama Prefecture, approximately 100 vehicles became stranded due to snow accumulation during accident response operations. The situation was resolved by late afternoon after recovery vehicles cleared the affected area. The severe weather is attributed to a strong winter pressure pattern affecting Japan, bringing intense snowfall and extremely strong winds to areas from western to northern Japan, particularly along the Sea of Japan coast. The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned of blizzard conditions and heavy snow continuing through December 26 evening in eastern and western Japan, and through December 27 in northern regions. Authorities are urging extreme caution regarding transportation disruptions. Air travel has been significantly impacted, with both Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) reporting numerous flight cancellations due to the cold wave. Airlines are calling on passengers to check the latest flight information before heading to airports, as conditions remain fluid and additional cancellations are possible. The timing of these disruptions is particularly problematic as Japan's year-end travel rush began on December 27. According to NHK, people traveling to hometowns and vacation destinations for the New Year holiday period are facing congestion across all transportation modes and expressways starting from the morning hours. The combination of peak travel demand and hazardous weather conditions creates a challenging situation for both domestic and international travelers. For foreign residents in Japan, these conditions require careful planning and flexibility. Road travel, especially on expressways in mountainous regions and along the Sea of Japan coast, carries significant risks. The multi-vehicle accidents demonstrate how quickly conditions can deteriorate, even on major highways. Winter tires and chains are essential, but may not be sufficient in severe conditions. Expats planning travel during this period should monitor weather forecasts closely and consider delaying non-essential trips. Those who must travel should allow extra time, carry emergency supplies including food, water, and warm clothing, and ensure mobile devices are fully charged. For air travelers, direct contact with airlines and early arrival at airports is advisable, as rebooking options may be limited during the holiday rush. The Japan Meteorological Agency continues to issue warnings for the year-end and New Year period, indicating that hazardous conditions may persist. Transportation authorities are working to manage the situation, but the combination of severe weather and peak travel demand means disruptions are likely to continue. Foreign residents should prioritize safety over schedule adherence and stay informed through official channels and news sources for the latest updates on conditions affecting their travel routes.