ISTANBUL 

At least eight people were killed and several others injured during heavy snowfall in Japan, officials said.

“Heavy snow is continuing to cause problems on the Sea of Japan coast,” NHK TV reported on Friday.

Heavy snowfall was witnessed along the Sea of Japan coast in the northern and western regions of the country.

“A typical winter-type pressure pattern around Japan is letting a cold air mass blow,” said the Japanese Meteorological Agency.

The rough weather is expected to continue through Monday, it added.

Many areas in western Japan have witnessed new records in snowfall including Japan’s western main island of Shikoku.