Heavy snowstorms batter Japan, death toll at 35 so far

At least 35 people have died in snow-related accidents over the past 15 days in Japan.

The highest toll was seen in Niigata Prefecture, with 12 deaths.

A house collapsed due to the weight of the snow on Tuesday, leaving a 68-year-old man dead.

The weather was expected to improve, but many areas had seen more snow than in usual years, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.