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Japan
Intelligence for Better Decision Making
Major Winter Storm Brings Blizzard Conditions and Disruptions Across Japan
Jan. 12, 2026 | Societal ResilienceA powerful low pressure system over southwestern Japan will intensify this weekend and bring severe winter conditions to much of the country.
**The system will produce gale-force winds along the Sea of Japan coast.**
On Saturday, sustained winds could reach 82.8 kilometers per hour in the Hokuriku and Chugoku regions and 72 kilometers per hour in Hokkaido and northern Kyushu, with gusts up to 126 kilometers per hour. These winds will drive high, rough seas and pose significant coastal hazards.
**Meteorologists expect a strong winter pressure pattern, bolstered by the low-pressure system approaching Hokkaido and a frontal system over Honshu, to reinforce stormy conditions across the archipelago.**
The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued warnings for heavy snow, gale-force winds, blizzard conditions, and high waves along the Sea of Japan side from western to eastern regions, as well as in northern Japan through the 12th.
**From Sunday into Monday, a severe cold air mass will sweep from northern Hokkaido to southern Kyushu, bringing heavy snowfall.**
Mountainous parts of Tohoku may accumulate up to 100 centimeters, while Hokuriku, Kinki, and Niigata could see 70 centimeters. Hokkaido, Nagano, and Chugoku may receive 50 centimeters, with lighter but still disruptive amounts across northern Kanto, Shikoku, and northern Kyushu. Strong gusts combined with heavy snow will likely produce whiteout conditions and elevate avalanche danger.
**Snowfall should continue through Tuesday, adding to weekend totals.**
Even flatland areas along the Sea of Japan coast will experience heavy snow, and measurable buildup is expected on the Pacific side. Authorities have issued advisories for heavy snow, blizzards, snowdrifts, avalanches, high waves, power outages from snow-laden lines, and widespread transport disruptions over the holiday weekend.
**Over the 24 hours ending at 6 a.m. on the 12th, the JMA forecasts up to 80 centimeters of snow in the Tohoku, Hokuriku, and Tokai regions; 60 centimeters in Kinki; 50 centimeters in Hokkaido, Kanto-Koshin, and Chugoku; 25 centimeters in Shikoku; and 20 centimeters in northern Kyushu.**
Mountainous areas may see up to 80 centimeters in Tohoku, Niigata, and Gifu; 70 centimeters in Hokuriku; 60 centimeters in Kinki; 50 centimeters in Hokkaido; with additional significant amounts across Kanto-Koshin, Chugoku, Shikoku, and parts of Kyushu.
**Severe blizzard conditions with strong winds will affect the entire Sea of Japan corridor from northern to southwestern Japan through Monday.**
Gusts have already reached 109 kilometers per hour at Oki Airport in Shimane Prefecture, and Wakkanai in Hokkaido recorded 13 centimeters of snow within six hours, illustrating the intensity of the incoming system.
**The storm has disrupted transportation networks.**
Japan Railway companies canceled selected train services in Tohoku and Hokuriku, and All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines suspended flights on Sunday morning, primarily on routes connecting the Sanin region and Hokuriku with other areas. Further schedule changes remain possible as conditions evolve.
Nationwide Iranian Protests Over Economic Crisis Met With Deadly Crackdown
Jan. 12, 2026 | PoliticsNationwide protests in Iran have erupted over economic hardship, prompting a severe government crackdown and drawing international attention.
**Since December 28, 2025, demonstrations have spread across all 31 provinces, marking the largest anti-government movement in years.**
The unrest began when Tehran merchants protested a severe currency crisis and the soaring cost of living under Western sanctions. Citizens have demanded urgent government action to rein in inflation and voiced broader frustration over deteriorating living conditions. Security forces have met the protests with growing force, and at least 65 people have died in clashes.
**Protesters have taken to streets from major cities to the northwestern city of Zanjan, marching in large crowds, chanting anti-regime slogans, and sharing images of injured demonstrators online.**
Government-imposed cuts to internet and communication networks have fragmented social media coverage, yet footage continues to surface. A cellphone video from Fardis, near Tehran, shows seven bloodied bodies inside a building, while voices in the background claim gunfire killed at least ten people—an account that remains unverified.
**To contain the unrest, authorities have further restricted communications and announced plans to intensify their crackdown on dissent.**
On January 9, state television aired footage of a burning car during the demonstrations, reflecting the confrontational nature of recent clashes. Human Rights Activists News Agency reports that security forces have detained more than 2,300 people since the protests began. Although communication shutdowns obscure a precise count, confirmed fatalities now exceed sixty.
**State-run media have attacked protest leaders and repeatedly broadcast an interview with Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, accusing the United States and other foreign actors of fomenting the unrest.**
In exile, Reza Pahlavi, son of the former Shah, has urged on social media that the demonstrations continue. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has promised a firm response to dissent, and US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could intervene if Iranian authorities start killing protesters.
Monitored Intelligence for Japan - Jan. 12, 2026
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Erudite Risk takes an all risks approach to intelligence reporting. We categorize key intelligence into one of 40 different risk intelligence categories.
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ホンダ、ベトナムで電動二輪発売 ガソリン車規制が７月に開始
Honda launches electric two-wheelers in Vietnam as gasoline vehicle regulations begin in July
Tokyo Shimbun | Local Language | News | Jan. 12, 2026 | Regulation
Honda Vietnam announced the launch of its electric two-wheeler model, the "Honda UC3," at a ceremony in Hanoi on January 10, 2026. Sales will begin in June, although the price has not yet been disclosed. The UC3 can travel up to approximately 120 kilometers on a single charge. Its introduction aligns with upcoming regulations on gasoline-powered two-wheelers set to take effect in Vietnam starting in July 2026, particularly targeting major cities like Hanoi, which suffers from severe air pollution.
Honda holds over 80% of Vietnam's motorcycle market and plans to support the electric vehicle rollout by developing charging infrastructure in key urban areas. Daiki Mihara, head of Honda's Motorcycle & Power Products Electric Business Division, stated the company intends to annually introduce electric models tailored to Vietnam's needs to maintain its market presence amidst the regulatory shift.
North Korea vows response as it accuses the South of flying drones across the border
Asahi Shimbun - E | English | News | Jan. 12, 2026 | North Korea
North Korea's military accused South Korea of flying drones across their border in recent days and warned of consequences for what it termed South Korea's “unpardonable hysteria.” North Korea used electronic warfare to bring down a South Korean drone near its border town, claiming the drone captured video footage of key sites. Another drone was said to have been forced down on September 27 after electronic attacks, with video data recovered. South Korea denied operating any drones on the dates mentioned and launched an investigation ordered by President Lee Jae Myung.
Since taking office in June 2025, President Lee has sought to restore dialogue with North Korea, including requesting Chinese President Xi Jinping act as a mediator. However, North Korea has rebuffed these overtures, maintaining a hostile “two-state” policy on the peninsula and focusing on expanding its nuclear capabilities after the collapse of nuclear diplomacy with the U.S. in 2019.
Drone incursions have exacerbated tensions between the Koreas in recent years, with both sides accusing each other of violations. In October 2024, North Korea claimed South Korea flew drones over Pyongyang to drop propaganda leaflets, and South Korea has also accused North Korea of flying drones into its airspace, notably responding with military actions in December 2022 after what it described as North Korea's first drone flights across the border in five years.
Despite complete ban, asbestos still causing health problems
Asahi Shimbun - E | English | News | Jan. 12, 2026 | Pollution
Japan banned asbestos production and usage in 2006, but health issues related to asbestos exposure continue to emerge due to the long latency period of symptoms. Many buildings constructed between 1956 and 1989 still contain asbestos, with an estimated 260,000 private-sector buildings over 1,000 square meters affected as of March 2024. Regulations now require asbestos surveys by qualified personnel before demolition or repairs, with expanded rules starting in 2026 to include structures like boilers.
Yoshimasa Negishi, a 53-year-old electrician from Tokyo, developed mesothelioma linked to asbestos exposure during his work installing air conditioners where he frequently inhaled dust without protective gear. After his diagnosis was officially recognized as work-related in 2023, Negishi became involved in asbestos-related support and training, advocating for better worker protection against asbestos hazards.
Despite government efforts, compensation payments are limited to workers exposed before September 2004 during certain construction activities, excluding cases like Negishi’s. Asbestos manufacturers have not contributed to the fund, prompting ongoing group lawsuits across Japan. Recent court settlements in Tokyo and Osaka in August 2025 indicate movement towards resolving these legal disputes, with efforts underway to pursue court-mediated settlements for faster resolution.
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