- Ten people have died in Japan over the past week due to severe winter weather and snow-related incidents.
- Record snowfall has accumulated across Japan, exceeding yearly averages in many areas, particularly in Hokkaido and Niigata.
- Further snow and strong winds are predicted for Tuesday and Thursday/Friday, prompting avalanche and snow removal safety warnings.

A: Hey Hana! Did you hear about the news? It’s pretty sad.

B: No, what happened, Kenji?

A: Apparently, ten people have died because of all this crazy snow! It’s been over the last week.

B: Wow, that's terrible! Where?

A: Mostly in Niigata, that’s a place on the coast, you know? Six people there. They were shoveling snow or doing stuff outside, and some even fell from roofs!

B: Seriously? That’s so dangerous! It must be really piled up.

A: It is! Sapporo got over a meter! And another place, Sukayu, got almost five meters! That's a *lot* of snow.

B: Five meters?! That’s unbelievable! I saw a picture – it's like a snow village.

A: Yeah! But the weather people say the worst is probably over.

B: That's good news, right?

A: Hopefully! But they’re saying more snow is expected later this week.

B: Oh no! Should we be worried?

A: Just a little careful, I think. They're warning about avalanches, snow falling off roofs, and being careful when shoveling. You know, just be safe!