TOKYO - Voting for the general election took place Sunday amid heavy snowfall across large parts of Japan, with some voters struggling to reach polling stations and criticizing Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi over the timing of the midwinter poll.

A 90-year-old man who went to vote with his wife said fewer street speeches left him with limited chances to hear candidates' views. Office worker Kazuo Shiina, 47, said he rarely saw campaign vehicles, adding, "An election at this time is a mistake."