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.
