[JP] Japanese PM Requests Efforts from JR Tokai for Full Maglev Opening
Posted: 5. Jan 2026, 16:50
Japanese Prime Minister Requests Efforts from JR Tokai for Full Opening of the Linear Shinkansen
In his New Year's press conference on January 5, 2026, Prime Minister Sanae Takai emphasized the importance of expediting the full opening of the Linear Chūō Shinkansen. He urged JR Tokai to make every effort towards achieving this goal, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the project.
Although Takai referred to the Linear project as a “nationally significant project,” it marked a slight retreat from former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s description of it as a "national project" in October 2023.
Originally, JR Tokai aimed to complete the section between Shinagawa and Nagoya by 2027. However, due to opposition from the former governor of Shizuoka, Heita Kawakatsu, the company was unable to begin construction in Shizuoka, and now the full project completion, including Shizuoka, is expected to take at least 10 more years. Furthermore, there are no clear projections for the Nagoya-Osaka section, which was originally planned to open in 2019.
The Prime Minister stated that the government would continue to monitor progress, particularly in the Shizuoka section, through a monitoring committee focused on environmental concerns. He also promised to work closely with local authorities and JR Tokai to ensure the timely completion of the Nagoya-Osaka segment.
Despite technological advancements in the linear shinkansen, delays and budget increases continue to affect the project, with the Osaka extension’s timeline still uncertain.
Info based on https://www.sankei.com/article/20260105 ... MN6AUX2XM/ Accessed 2026-01-05
In his New Year's press conference on January 5, 2026, Prime Minister Sanae Takai emphasized the importance of expediting the full opening of the Linear Chūō Shinkansen. He urged JR Tokai to make every effort towards achieving this goal, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the project.
Although Takai referred to the Linear project as a “nationally significant project,” it marked a slight retreat from former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s description of it as a "national project" in October 2023.
Originally, JR Tokai aimed to complete the section between Shinagawa and Nagoya by 2027. However, due to opposition from the former governor of Shizuoka, Heita Kawakatsu, the company was unable to begin construction in Shizuoka, and now the full project completion, including Shizuoka, is expected to take at least 10 more years. Furthermore, there are no clear projections for the Nagoya-Osaka section, which was originally planned to open in 2019.
The Prime Minister stated that the government would continue to monitor progress, particularly in the Shizuoka section, through a monitoring committee focused on environmental concerns. He also promised to work closely with local authorities and JR Tokai to ensure the timely completion of the Nagoya-Osaka segment.
Despite technological advancements in the linear shinkansen, delays and budget increases continue to affect the project, with the Osaka extension’s timeline still uncertain.
Info based on https://www.sankei.com/article/20260105 ... MN6AUX2XM/ Accessed 2026-01-05