When going gets tough, tough get going. Record levels of snowfall made going tough for hundreds of motorists in Japan earlier this week. Blizzards, snowdrifts and frozen roads left 200 cars stranded on highway in Fukui Prefecture, along Sea of Japan. This spurred manager of branch of local Chinese restaurant, Gyoza Ohsho, to get going. Keiichi Iwatani, 39, decided to feed those faced with spending night in sub-zero temperatures. He delivered hundreds of gyoza dumplings, fried rice and crab omelettes to weary, anxious and snowbound drivers. Seven employees helped him to deliver provisions on foot throughout night to 300 hungry and relieved people.
Mr Iwatani talked about his relief efforts to Mainichi newspaper. He said he saw snow accumulating and knew there would be problems. He said similar adverse weather hit in 2018 and snow stopped him from getting to work. He said: "I regretted not being able to help out three years ago. I'm happy that many people appreciated our efforts last night." He added: "I wanted to keep drivers warm, even for just bit." Many drivers were appreciative of his efforts. Yuki Yamashita, 23, feared worst when she got stuck in snow. She said when Ishitani appeared, he restored her faith in humanity. fellow driver shared some Habutae mochi - traditional Fukui rice confection - with her to reinforce that faith.
