Tokyo: Severe winter conditions that have swept across Japan in recent days have claimed the lives of 27 people.

According to Qatar News Agency, Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency announced that 12 deaths were recorded in Niigata Prefecture on the Sea of Japan coast. Additionally, six individuals lost their lives in Akita Prefecture in northern Japan, and three fatalities were reported in Hokkaido, the country's northernmost prefecture.

The agency further reported two deaths in Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan, with one death each in Iwate, Yamagata, Nagano, and Shimane Prefectures.

A strong cold air mass has caused heavy snowfall along the Sea of Japan coast in recent weeks, with some areas receiving more than double the usual amount.