The cold weather has taken Japan by surprise, as rain and snow start falling across the country, bringing temperatures akin to mid-winter in the heart of the city. Weather departments have yet to determine the cause of this sudden change. Residents are urged to dress warmly and prepare for potential disruptions to transportation.

Weather changes like these often catch attention in Japan due to the country’s geographical diversity. Japanese citizens rely heavily on weather forecasts for daily life activities, including school closures, farming, and transport schedules. Unforeseen temperature drops and precipitation can affect these activities negatively.

In contrast to Japan, an unexpected weather shift of this type in countries in the EU or the US would be handled differently. For instance, in Scandinavian countries, this might be a usual occurrence, and infrastructure and habits are adapted to such circumstances. But in southern states of the US, where snow is rare, a similar event could cause significant interruptions.