The Etanbetsu area of Asahikawa recorded those numbers, the coldest anywhere in Japan yet this year. Some parts of Horokanai hit -24.7 degrees Celsius. The temperatures were expected to remain cold all day across Hokkaido, even in the afternoon. The international community has its eyes on Hokkaido ever since the announcement that certain summer Olympic events will be held there (to prevent the overheating of athletes from what may be a very hot summer).