Heavy snowfall in Japan has killed 45 as country gears up for general election

As Japan gears up for a general election tomorrow, the country braces for more heavy snowfall this weekend as 45 people have died and more than 500 snow-related injuries have been reported since January 20th.

The northwestern region of Niigata Prefecture recorded the highest number of deaths at 17, with more than 170 injuries.

Snowy conditions were seen in Aomori City and Wakkanai, with many vehicles stranded in the snow.

Japan's Meteorological Agency warns of further heavy snow in western and northern coastal regions over the weekend.

The agency urged local residents to remain alert for traffic disruptions and to be cautious of avalanches in heavy-snow areas from northern to western Japan.