Foreign residents traveling Japan's highways should be aware of two significant transportation infrastructure incidents that have disrupted major routes and highlight ongoing safety concerns during winter months and recovery from previous disasters. On December 26, 2025, a massive multi-vehicle accident on the Kan-Etsu Expressway in Minakami, Gunma Prefecture resulted in two deaths and 26 injuries, involving 67 vehicles according to NHK. The pile-up caused complete closure of a major arterial route connecting Tokyo with Niigata Prefecture, with traffic restrictions lasting three days until December 28 when authorities fully reopened the highway. Police investigations indicate the accident occurred on frozen road surfaces, with vehicles losing control and triggering a chain reaction collision. Authorities are currently analyzing dashcam footage and driver testimonies to determine the precise sequence of events and identify contributing factors. The incident serves as a stark reminder of winter driving hazards on Japan's expressways, particularly in mountainous regions where temperatures drop rapidly and road conditions can deteriorate quickly. The three-day closure created significant disruptions for both commercial and personal travel during the year-end period, when many Japanese residents and foreign workers travel for New Year holidays. The Kan-Etsu Expressway serves as a critical link for winter sports destinations and connects major population centers, making such closures particularly impactful for travelers. Meanwhile, in Saitama Prefecture's Yashio City, recovery efforts continue from a large-scale road collapse that occurred in January 2025. According to NHK, temporary repair work on damaged sewage pipes has been completed, marking an important milestone in the lengthy reconstruction process. Saitama Prefecture authorities are now working toward a target of April 2026 to reopen the road in a temporary configuration with one lane in each direction. The Yashio incident represents one of Japan's more serious infrastructure failures in recent years, with the road collapse causing extensive damage to underground utilities including critical sewage systems. The nearly 15-month recovery timeline from initial collapse to planned partial reopening demonstrates the complexity of urban infrastructure repairs, particularly when underground systems are compromised. For foreign residents, these incidents underscore several important considerations. First, Japan's generally excellent infrastructure is not immune to weather-related accidents and structural failures. Winter travel on expressways requires particular caution, with proper tire equipment and awareness of rapidly changing conditions essential for safety. Second, major infrastructure disruptions can cause extended closures lasting days or even months. The Kan-Etsu Expressway's three-day closure, while resolved relatively quickly, created substantial delays during a peak travel period. The ongoing Yashio situation demonstrates that some infrastructure repairs require extensive time, with affected areas potentially closed for over a year. Expats should monitor traffic information through official sources, particularly before undertaking highway travel during winter months. The Japan Road Traffic Information Center provides real-time updates in multiple languages, and major navigation apps typically reflect current road closures and conditions. For those living in areas affected by infrastructure projects like the Yashio collapse, patience and route planning become necessary parts of daily life. The temporary reopening planned for April 2026 will provide only limited capacity, meaning traffic congestion may persist even after partial restoration. These incidents also highlight Japan's methodical approach to infrastructure recovery, prioritizing thorough investigation and proper repair over rapid reopening. While this may extend inconvenience periods, it reflects the country's commitment to long-term safety and reliability. Foreign residents should expect similar careful, time-intensive responses to any major infrastructure incidents they may encounter during their time in Japan.