Vehicles stranded, trains and planes cancelled, and schools closed after record 129cm of snow falls in 12 hours

Record-breaking snowfall has engulfed many areas across northern Japan, causing widespread disruption. Areas of low pressure and strong north-westerly winds brought cold air from the Asian continent, causing the recent wintry weather.

In the Takachi district of Obihiro, a city in the northern prefecture of Hokkaido, a record 129cm (4ft) of snowfall in 12 hours was measured earlier this week. The heavy snow led to travel chaos with many vehicles left stranded, trains and planes cancelled, and hundreds of schools closed.