Japan: Heavy Snowfall in Hokkaido, Flights Disrupted 2

On January 8, heavy snow across Hokkaido caused major travel chaos. At New Chitose Airport, 27 flights were canceled and many delayed due to de-icing operations. JR Hokkaido suspended 29 services, including 25 "Rapid Airport" trains, while multiple expressways were closed. These disruptions led to massive queues at the airport, with travelers lining up across two floors for the train station.

Injured racehorse in rehab swim

Injured racehorse in rehab swim

An injured thoroughbred racehorse takes a therapeutic swim at the Japan Racing Association's rehabilitation center in Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on May 24, 2023.

Injured racehorse in rehab swim

Injured racehorse in rehab swim

An injured thoroughbred racehorse takes a therapeutic swim at the Japan Racing Association's rehabilitation center in Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on May 24, 2023.

Injured racehorse in rehab swim

Injured racehorse in rehab swim

An injured thoroughbred racehorse takes a therapeutic swim at the Japan Racing Association's rehabilitation center in Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on May 24, 2023.

Irish veterinarian cracks open Japan racing circles

Irish veterinarian cracks open Japan racing circles

TOKYO, Japan - File photo shows Deep Brillante (back) winning the Japanese Derby at Tokyo Racecourse on May 27, 2012. The thoroughbred was raised at Paca Paca Farm, owned by Irish-born veterinarian Harry Sweeney, in Hidaka, Hokkaido.

Racehorse Symboli Rudolf dies

Racehorse Symboli Rudolf dies

TOKYO, Japan - Photo shows Symboli Rudolf (10) and jockey Yukio Okabe winning the Japanese Derby in Tokyo in 1984. The seven-time Grade One winner in Japan died on Oct. 4, 2011, in Narita, Chiba Prefecture, at the age of 30. The thoroughbred was inducted into the Japan Racing Association Hall of Fame in 1987.

Racehorse Symboli Rudolf dies

Racehorse Symboli Rudolf dies

TOKYO, Japan - Photo shows Symboli Rudolf (10) and jockey Yukio Okabe winning the Japanese Derby in Tokyo in 1984. The seven-time Grade One winner in Japan died on Oct. 4, 2011, in Narita, Chiba Prefecture, at the age of 30. The thoroughbred was inducted into the Japan Racing Association Hall of Fame in 1987. (Kyodo)

Injured racehorse swims in pool for rehabilitation

Injured racehorse swims in pool for rehabilitation

A thoroughbred recuperating from an injury swims in a pool at the Racehorse Rehabilitation Center in Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture on May 26, 2017. Run by the Japan Racing Association, the center is equipped with a spa, a swimming pool, a water walking machine and other facilities for the rehabilitation of racehorses. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Injured racehorse swims in pool for rehabilitation

Injured racehorse swims in pool for rehabilitation

A thoroughbred recuperating from an injury swims in a pool at the Racehorse Rehabilitation Center in Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture on May 26, 2017. Run by the Japan Racing Association, the center is equipped with a spa, a swimming pool, a water walking machine and other facilities for the rehabilitation of racehorses. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo