Snow, strong winds and high waves hit wide areas of Japan on Wednesday. One motorist was killed, and a number of airplane passengers were injured in heavy turbulence.
Trains and flights were severely disrupted, particularly in Hokkaido and Tohoku as a low-pressure system developed near Hokkaido.
The Meteorological Agency said storms would continue through Thursday, especially in Hokkaido and other parts of northern Japan. It warned of blizzards, tidal waves and avalanches.