Scores of flights were cancelled as heavy snowfall hit several areas of Japan on Thursday, while New Year’s Eve celebrations were curtailed as the country tackles a third wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has urged people to celebrate New Year quietly, and avoid non-essential outings, amid the twin crises.

Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways cancelled or planned to cancel a total of around 140 flights, a bullet train had suspended services in some parts of the northern Yamagata prefecture.