A global climate advocacy group urged Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to reject any deal with US President Donald Trump that would deepen Japan's reliance on fossil fuels.
"With Japan's Cabinet expected to make a decision on the Basic Energy Plan and the Plan for Global Warming Countermeasures soon, it is critical to prevent a worsening climate crisis and implement sustainable policies. Japan must engage in climate diplomacy with the rest of the world, including the United States, with a focus on fossil-free energy," 350.org, an international environmental organization addressing climate change, stated on Friday.
Ishiba is scheduled to meet with Trump at the White House on Friday. Media reports suggest that discussions may include Japan's increased imports of US gas and Japanese support for a gas pipeline project in Alaska. There is also speculation that Trump could leverage tariff measures to push trading partners such as Japan into purchasing more gas from the US.
Masayoshi Iyoda, Japan Campaigner of 350.org, criticized the potential expansion of fossil fuel imports.
"Japan already purchases large amounts of liquefied natural gas, has a surplus, and even resells it to other countries. Further increasing imports will only entrench our dependence on fossil fuels and exacerbate climate disasters. What we need now is sustainable, affordable, and fair renewable energy," Iyoda said in the statement.
The impact of climate change has gradually become apparent. Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost prefecture, has been experiencing record snowfall this season, particularly in the Tokachi region. According to public broadcaster NHK, a weather expert has warned that if global warming continues, heavy snowfall in Hokkaido could become more frequent.
A research team led by Hiroaki Kawase, a senior researcher at the Japanese government-run Meteorological Research Institute, analyzed the effects of global warming by comparing simulations of snowfall in a climate that has warmed since the Industrial Revolution with one that has not.
Their findings revealed that in a warmer climate, the likelihood of a "once-in-a-decade" level snowfall was 1.4 times higher. Researchers attributed this to rising seawater temperatures, which generate more water vapor. Since Hokkaido's winters remain cold, this additional moisture is more likely to fall as snow rather than rain, NHK reported.
Kawase said that simulations indicate Hokkaido could experience massive snowfall annually or face unusually heavy snow more frequently as global warming advances. He urged residents to be prepared for sudden and extreme snowfall.
Many regions in Japan have already seen an unusually high accumulation of snow for this time of year. As of 11 am on Friday, Uonuma city in Niigata Prefecture had reported over three meters of snow, while Okura village in Yamagata Prefecture recorded a similar amount, according to NHK.
Heavy snow is also expected in the low-lying areas of the Kinki and Tokai regions, where snowfall is typically rare.
Authorities are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel. The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned of potential hazards, including heavy snow, blizzards, traffic disruptions, power outages, falling trees, avalanches, and high waves.
Officials said that snow and strong winds are intensifying along the Sea of Japan coast due to an influx of the season's coldest air mass. A powerful winter pressure pattern is causing intermittent snowfall mainly on the Sea of Japan side.
The cold air is expected to continue flowing in intermittently through Sunday, leading to further heavy snowfall along the Sea of Japan coast. Some snow may also accumulate in lowland areas on the Pacific coast, where it is usually uncommon.
To prepare for the harsh conditions, experts recommend staying indoors, stocking up on a week's worth of food, wearing non-slip boots, using a backpack to keep hands free when going out, and keeping essentials such as water, warm clothing, and blankets in vehicles.
