 Japan paralyzed amid record snowfalls. Over 18,000 people have been left without electricity and heat after record-breaking snowfall hit Japan this week. Massive snowstorms struck Japan's northern and central regions, knocking off electricity and power across the country. The height of snow has reached record 229 cm in Yamagata, 193 cm in Amori, 170 in Yamagata, 154 cm in Hokkaido, while Fukushima saw 148 cm of snowfalling. Japan's northern regions are known for their severe winters, however this year's snowfall was record high.