Foreign residents across Japan faced significant transportation challenges on January 28, 2026, as multiple train lines experienced service suspensions due to accidents and winter weather conditions. With heavy snowfall forecast to intensify through January 30, commuters should prepare for continued disruptions to rail services. According to NHK, two major incidents disrupted morning commutes in the Greater Tokyo area. Odakyu Electric Railway suspended service on the Odakyu Odawara Line between Ebina and Hon-Atsugi stations in Kanagawa Prefecture from approximately 5:25 AM following a passenger accident at Atsugi Station. Service was expected to resume around 7:10 AM. Separately, JR East halted operations on the Keihin-Tohoku Line between Kamata and Tsurumi stations after 5:00 AM due to required track inspections between Tsurumi and Kawasaki stations in Kanagawa Prefecture. These suspensions affected two critical commuter lines serving foreign residents living in Kanagawa Prefecture and working in Tokyo. The Odakyu Odawara Line connects suburban areas to Shinjuku, one of Tokyo's major business districts, while the Keihin-Tohoku Line provides essential north-south connectivity through Tokyo and Yokohama. Meanwhile, winter weather conditions are creating transportation challenges across broader regions of Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency warns that strong winter atmospheric pressure patterns will bring intensified snowfall from January 29 through 30, primarily affecting areas from northern to western Japan along the Japan Sea coast. According to NHK, even Pacific coast flatlands may experience snow accumulation in some locations, raising concerns about widespread transportation impacts. In response to heavy snowfall, JR Hokkaido announced significant service reductions in the Sapporo area. The railway company will suspend all trains departing from or arriving at Sapporo Station after 9:00 PM on both January 28 and 29, with some early morning services on the following days also canceled. This measure allows crews adequate time for essential snow removal operations on tracks and platforms. The weather has already caused at least one serious incident. On the morning of January 28, a passenger car became immobilized at a railroad crossing in Kahoku City, Ishikawa Prefecture, resulting in a collision with a regular train. Fortunately, approximately 100 train passengers and the car's driver escaped injury. Police are investigating whether snow conditions caused the vehicle to become stuck, highlighting the dangers winter weather poses to transportation safety. For foreign residents, these disruptions underscore the importance of winter preparedness and flexible commuting strategies. Japan's transportation networks, while generally reliable, face significant challenges during severe weather events and unexpected incidents. Expats should monitor real-time service information through official railway apps and websites, which often provide English-language updates. Transportation authorities recommend allowing extra travel time during winter weather conditions and considering alternative routes when primary lines experience disruptions. Many railway companies provide service status updates through their official websites, smartphone applications, and social media channels in multiple languages. The forecasted heavy snowfall through January 30 may cause additional service interruptions, delays, and cancellations across affected regions. Residents in areas along the Japan Sea coast, including cities in Hokkaido, Tohoku, Hokuriku, and San'in regions, should prepare for potentially significant disruptions. Those living in Pacific coast areas should also remain alert, as unexpected snow accumulation could affect normally snow-free zones. Foreign residents planning travel during this period should verify train schedules immediately before departure, consider purchasing flexible tickets when possible, and have contingency plans for alternative transportation or accommodation. Staying informed through official channels and exercising caution when traveling during winter weather conditions will help ensure safety and minimize inconvenience during Japan's challenging winter season.