On Friday, heavy snowfall in eastern and western Japan intensified a cold snap across the country’s mountainous areas and along the Sea of Japan coast, according to weather authorities. The Meteorological Agency forecast that the winter pressure pattern will strengthen through the weekend, with a strong mass of cold air moving east to west. Snow accumulation is expected to reach 70 centimeters in Niigata Prefecture, 60 centimeters in the Hokuriku and Kinki regions, and 50 centimeters in the Chugoku region within 24 hours. As of Friday, Sukayu in Aomori Prefecture had 2.66 meters of snow, while Okura village in Yamagata Prefecture reported 1.38 meters.