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On December 30, 2020, the Prime Minister held the Ministerial Meeting on the Heavy Snow during the New Year Holidays at the Prime Minister’s Office.

Following the discussion, the Prime Minister said:

"From today into the very beginning of the new year, a cold air mass is arriving and there is a possibility of heavy snow including in plain areas, centered on regions facing the Sea of Japan from northern Japan to western Japan.

During the recent heavy snow, large number of vehicles were stranded on the Kan-Etsu Expressway for a long period. This time, we are calling on drivers and others to maintain a strong sense of vigilance so as to prevent such a situation.

I instruct each ministry and agency to once again confirm that its advance preparations are sufficient. I also request that they make sure their communications with the citizens are prompt and easy to understand, and that they work to gather information swiftly. Each should implement relevant measures in advance and thoroughly secure safety and security, by closely collaborating with local governments and relevant stakeholders.

Also, I ask citizens to be sufficiently attentive to traffic disruptions, damages to facilities, snow falls from roofs, and snow slides, taking necessary precautionary measures ahead of time, and staying mindful of the latest weather, traffic, and other relevant information.

We have already made a request to the citizens to spend the New Year holidays quietly, amidst the increase of new cases of infection by the novel coronavirus. In order to prepare for the incoming heavy snow, I ask you to refrain from going outside for non-essential or non-urgent reasons."