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Shizuoka Panel Clears Final Issues, Putting Maglev Construction Within Reach by End of 2026

Shizuoka Prefecture moved closer to allowing construction of the Shizuoka section of the Linear Chuo Shinkansen maglev line after a prefectural panel approved measures presented by JR Central to address the final outstanding concerns.

The panel endorsed the company’s responses in eight biodiversity-related categories, including steps such as relocating habitats for rare wildlife. With that decision, the panel has now approved JR Central’s measures across all 28 categories that the prefecture says must be addressed before construction can begin.

According to Shizuoka Vice Governor Hiraki Sho, construction could start in the prefecture by the end of 2026 if the company satisfies the required conditions.

Shizuoka Prefecture is still asking JR Central to explain the measures to residents. The prefecture will decide whether to approve the start of construction after reviewing the procedures required under the relevant laws and ordinances.

Info based ond https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20260327_04/ Accessed 2026-03-27

The Shizuoka segment had been the project’s biggest bottleneck since former Governor Heita Kawakatsu opposed groundbreaking in 2017, citing concerns over water resources in the Oi River basin. With that standoff now effectively resolved after about nine years, the project has moved into a new phase.

Major risks remain, including rising costs and the difficulty of the construction itself. Even so, the earliest possible opening of the Shinagawa–Nagoya section is now back in sight for 2036.

Info based on: https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOCC ... 6A3000000/ Accessed 2026-03-27

All 28 prerequisite issues that Shizuoka Prefecture set for construction approval have now been cleared, after the prefecture’s expert panel approved the remaining eight biodiversity-related items.

Those 28 issues were grouped into three areas: water resources, biodiversity, and tunnel spoil. With the last biodiversity items now accepted, the roughly 10-year standoff over the unstarted Shizuoka section has reached a turning point.

The next step is procedural: JR Tokai must submit construction plans and related documents, and if Governor Yasutomo Suzuki grants approval, construction can begin.

Info based on https://newsdig.tbs.co.jp/articles/-/2557146 Accessed 2026-03-27

Shizuoka Maglev Section Could Start Construction by Year-End; Full Tokyo–Nagoya Opening Seen No Earlier Than 2036

The Linear Chuo Shinkansen, Japan’s planned 500 km/h superconducting maglev line, is moving closer to construction in Shizuoka Prefecture after years of deadlock. On March 26, Shizuoka Prefecture said all 28 preconditions it had set for discussions with JR Central were finally completed, including the final eight items related to biodiversity.

Governor Yasutomo Suzuki said he wants JR Central to continue sincere outreach, including resident briefing sessions, so he can make a decision on construction approval as early as possible. If JR Central submits its construction plans and the prefecture approves them, work could begin this year.

The Shizuoka section is expected to take at least 10 years from start to completion, so even if construction begins in 2026, the Tokyo–Nagoya opening would likely be 2036 or later. JR Central said it wants to begin tunnel excavation as soon as possible and will continue working to gain local understanding and cooperation.

Source: CBC TV, March 30, 2026; related Shizuoka and JR Central reports. https://article.auone.jp/detail/1/2/2/4 ... 1252457286 Accessed 2026-03-30