Eight people have been caught in an avalanche while backcountry skiing near a resort in Japan's Hokkaido.
One person is reportedly unconscious, and in a critical condition.
Police have still not confirmed earlier media reports if the whole group was French.
The group of six men and two women was skiing off-piste, when the avalanche struck mid-afternoon at the Tomamu resort.


Jordan arrests 3 over Karak church attack, state TV says
Brazil's working class president Lula wins historic fourth term
Serbia's Vucic concedes defeat in historic election win for student protest movement
Two injured from falling debris as missiles intercepted in Saudi Arabia
Venezuela opposition leader Machado returns to country
