Snow & election: Feb. 8, 2026

 

We have had heavy snowfall in northern Japan (Tohoku and Hokuriku regions) since early February. Tokyo also experienced snowfall yesterday and today.

I found the roads, roofs and school grounds covered with snow. The trees were lightly covered in snow at a walkingway in Setagaya City.

 

A small snowman, likely made by a child, had been placed on a tree stump.

 

The Lower House election was held on February 8th. Snow was piled up on the side of the road leading to the polling station.

Prime Minister Takaichi and her ruling party won the election in a landslide victory.

The election campaign featured little policy debate. Instead, the images of politicians as well as parties were contested. Takaichi looked to have succeeded in promoting the image of a strong leader.

As in the US and many European countries, signs of populism, inward-looking attitudes, right-wing shifts, and social media elections were evident, in my impression. 

New Year and Mt. Fuji: Jan. 2-4, 2026

 

2026 has begun. Tokyo and the surrounding area were blessed with beautiful weather.

I visited some places in Tokyo, Odawara, and Shizuoka in the new-year days.

 

Mount Fuji, covered with snow, stood majestically under the clear skies.

This photo was taken from the window of a Shinkansen bullet train in Fuji City. The top photo shows the view across the Fuji River.

 

While walking through Shizuoka City, I could see Mount Fuji between the houses and fields. (See the 2^nd photo)

 

A university relay race was held between Tokyo and Hakone on Jan. 2nd and 3rd. Odawara Station, where the JR and Odakyu lines meet, was crowded with relay supporters and visitors of the new year.

 

I visited several shrines in Tokyo and Shizuoka.

The photo shows Rokusho Shrine in Setagaya City. There was a place where omamori (charms and amulets) and other items from the previous year were burned.

 

Sengen Shrine in Shizuoka is home to seven different shrines within its complex. Many visitors were offering prayers for the new year. (See also the 3rd photo)