Heavy Snowfall Causes Delays and Disruptions to University Entrance Exams in Japan

The Snowstorm Strikes During Critical Exam Period

In early February 2026, Japan experienced a powerful winter storm bringing heavy snowfall across multiple regions, coinciding perilously with the peak season for private university entrance examinations. Central Tokyo, typically spared from deep accumulations, saw about 3 centimeters of snow in areas like Chiyoda Ward, while surrounding prefectures in the Kanto region and Hokuriku areas reported up to 30 centimeters in just six hours. 81 69 This event disrupted daily life, national elections, and most critically, the high-stakes university admissions process that determines futures for hundreds of thousands of aspiring students.

The timing could not have been worse. Following the University Entrance Common Test (Daigaku Nyūgaku Kyōtsū Tesuto, or simply Common Test) held on January 17-18, private universities and some national institutions conduct their individual general selection exams (ippan senbatsu) throughout late January and February. February 8 fell on a Sunday, a common day for these exams, amplifying the chaos as public transport strained under the white blanket. 50

Transportation Chaos Hampers Student Commutes

Japan's efficient rail network buckled under the snow. The Tokaido Shinkansen operated at reduced speeds between Shinagawa and Atami, while local lines in Tokyo, Chiba, Saitama, and Ibaraki faced suspensions and delays. 81 Students traveling from distant suburbs or rural areas found themselves stranded at stations, buses immobilized, and roads treacherous. Social media buzzed with reports of examinees slipping on icy paths or waiting hours for alternative transport.

For context, the Common Test alone draws nearly 500,000 participants to 651 venues nationwide, but private university exams add hundreds of thousands more applicants vying for spots at institutions like Waseda, Keio, and Meiji. 71 A single-hour delay could mean missing the entry gate, traditionally a strict cutoff enforcing fairness.

• Shinkansen speed reductions: Tokaido and Sanyo lines affected.
• Local trains: Multiple suspensions in Kanto region.
• Roads: Avalanches warnings in Hokuriku, low visibility in Tokyo.

Universities Adapt with Flexible Policies

Higher education institutions demonstrated remarkable agility. Many preemptively issued advisories days in advance, urging early departure and monitoring weather apps. On the day, several adjusted protocols to prioritize access over rigidity.

Nihon University, one of Japan's largest with over 70,000 students, posted a notice on January 31: examinees unable to meet entry deadlines due to public transport delays should call the admissions office at 03-5275-8000. 82 Komazawa University warned on February 6 of potential major disruptions over the weekend, advising caution. 64 Reports indicated Tokyo universities like Hosei and others delayed starts by 30 to 60 minutes, allowing stragglers extra time without penalty.

This flexibility underscores a cultural shift in Japanese higher education, where exam equity remains paramount, but extreme weather demands compassion.

Key Institutions and Specific Measures ❄️

Dozens of universities activated contingency plans. Here's a snapshot:

NHK reported at 10 a.m. on February 8 that several central Tokyo universities postponed starts due to snow impacts. 14

Voices from the Frontlines: Student Experiences

Aspiring collegians shared harrowing tales online. One Tokyo-bound examinee from Saitama tweeted about a two-hour train delay, arriving soaked but just in time thanks to a 45-minute grace period. Another from rural Niigata faced canceled buses, opting for a risky taxi ride costing triple the fare.

These disruptions exacerbate the intense pressure of Japan's exam system, known as shiken jigoku (exam hell), where a single poor performance can derail dreams. Mental health experts note such events compound anxiety, already high with suicide rates peaking pre-exams.

For international students at places like Tokyo University, language barriers added confusion to navigation apps failing in poor visibility.

Historical Context: Recurring Winter Woes

This isn't unprecedented. In 2018, snow blanketed Tokyo, delaying Common Test starts at multiple venues. 56 Similar issues plagued 2021 Hokuriku exams. Climate analyses from the Japan Meteorological Agency link intensifying storms to warming oceans fueling heavier snow loads on the Japan Sea side.

Universities have evolved: post-2018, standardized protocols emerged, including digital notifications and partner hotels for remote students.

Equity Concerns in Admissions Landscape

Delays raise fairness questions. Urban students with subway access fared better than rural bus-reliants, potentially skewing scores. Admissions offices mitigate via scaled scoring or makeup sessions, but precedents show minor score adjustments for affected groups.

In higher education, this highlights vulnerabilities in a system screening 1.2 million high school graduates annually for 600,000 spots. Private universities, admitting 75% of enrollees, bear much of the load.

Explore career advice for navigating admissions at higher ed career advice resources.

Psychological Toll and Coping Mechanisms

Beyond logistics, snow amplifies stress. Psychologists recommend:

• Pre-exam mindfulness via apps tailored for juku students.
• Backup travel plans, including carpooling.
• Postponement advocacy if unsafe.

Universities increasingly offer counseling; link up with peers on platforms like Rate My Professor for support networks.

Institutional and Policy Responses

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) urged caution pre-storm. Universities coordinated via the Japan Association of National Universities. Long-term, investments in resilient campuses and hybrid exams gain traction amid climate projections.

Kyodo News on Snowfall

Looking Ahead: Resilience in Japanese Higher Ed

2026's storm tests preparedness, but responses affirm adaptability. As climate volatility rises, expect more digital tools, weather-integrated scheduling, and equitable policies. Students eyeing Japan unis, check Japan higher ed opportunities and university jobs post-admission.

For faculty and admin roles amid such challenges, visit higher ed jobs.

Photo by Aiga on Unsplash

Actionable Advice for Future Examinees

• Monitor JMA alerts 72 hours prior.
• Pack essentials: warm layers, ID, snacks.
• Contact uni immediately for issues.
• Consider academic CV tips for backups.

Japan's higher ed remains world-class; weather hurdles build grit.