On February 7, Japanese editorial priority shifted toward the opening of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Starting in the early afternoon, major outlets provided constant updates on the unique four-venue opening ceremony, emphasizing the live performance by Mariah Carey and the strong early start for Japanese figure skaters, particularly the 'Riku-Ryu' pair. The festive atmosphere was tempered by a domestic crisis as editors prioritized emergency weather warnings. Heavy snowfall across the Sea of Japan coast and Tokyo resulted in a rising death toll and significant infrastructure paralysis. By evening, attention returned to the eve of the general election. Reporting focused on the logistical challenge of tomorrow's vote under blizzard conditions, particularly in Hokkaido, while analyzing the final polling data. Editors highlighted a record 26% surge in early voting as Prime Minister Takaichi seeks a mandate for proactive defense, despite controversy over candidate statements regarding a consumption tax hike to 12%.