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川勝氏から｢リニア推進の知事｣になったのに…静岡の｢リニア工事｣は一歩も進まず､全線開業が見通せないワケ ｢静岡県のメリット｣の明示なしには着工はありえない
The Stalled Maglev Progress in Shizuoka: Why the Linear Project Remains at a Standstill

The Shizuoka Linear project, aimed at connecting Tokyo to Osaka via the Linear Chuo Shinkansen, remains at an impasse, even after a leadership change from Governor Heita Kawakatsu, a staunch opponent of the plan, to Governor Yasuto Suzuki, who was elected on a pro-Linear platform. Over six months since the transition, there has been little progress on the critical Shizuoka section of the project, particularly the Southern Alps tunnel, which has yet to begin construction.

Despite Suzuki’s promises to push for the project, challenges remain largely due to unresolved issues related to Shizuoka’s benefits from the new railway line. Although the project has advanced in other regions, such as the Yamanashi section, Shizuoka continues to be a bottleneck. The key problem lies in the lack of clear, tangible benefits for Shizuoka from the Linear project. Suzuki’s campaign pledge to install a new Shinkansen station at Shizuoka Airport, as part of the new line, has not progressed, as there have been no meaningful discussions with JR Tokai, the railway company overseeing the project.

In a December 5th meeting of the Shizuoka Prefectural Assembly, opposition members criticized Suzuki’s lack of progress on securing these benefits for the region, urging him to reinvigorate the Shizuoka Airport Station initiative and push JR Tokai harder. The governor's response was vague, with the designated official offering no concrete plans or timelines for advancing the project.

The situation is further complicated by concerns about the environmental impact of the Southern Alps tunnel on the region, including water resources from the Oi River. Under the leadership of former Governor Kawakatsu, these issues were a major point of contention, leading to the formation of committees to address the local community's concerns. However, with no significant progress on the environmental front, the debate continues to delay construction.

Additionally, national leadership has been largely out of touch with the realities of the situation. Despite former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and current Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba advocating for the full completion of the line by 2037, the ongoing issues in Shizuoka threaten to derail even the partial opening of the line between Tokyo and Nagoya. With the Southern Alps section still in limbo, the goal of a 2035 opening for the whole line seems increasingly uncertain.

Former Governor Kawakatsu had a complex relationship with the Linear project, at times claiming that the region could benefit from increased Shinkansen services, while at other times fiercely opposing the construction due to environmental concerns. A key demand Kawakatsu made was for a new Shinkansen station at Shizuoka Airport, a request that dates back to 2010. However, JR Tokai has consistently opposed the idea, citing the impracticality of building a new station so close to existing stops between Shizuoka and Kakegawa.

While the station proposal remains a point of contention, there is no indication that JR Tokai is willing to change its stance. The company has been more open to discussions with other prefectures, where it has offered clear benefits, such as new stations, in exchange for cooperation. In Shizuoka, however, the lack of clear, concrete benefits has prevented any significant progress.

The future of the Linear project in Shizuoka depends on whether Governor Suzuki can engage JR Tokai in meaningful discussions to demonstrate how the region can benefit from the new railway. Without tangible benefits for the local population, the project is unlikely to move forward. As of now, the prospect of completing the Southern Alps tunnel, let alone the entire line, by the originally planned dates remains uncertain.

Info based on https://president.jp/articles/-/89134 Accessed 2024-12-14

Shizuoka's Economic Boost: Increased 'Hikari' Stops with Linear Shinkansen Launch

JR Tokai President, Shunsuke Niwa, revealed plans to increase the number of “Hikari” stops in Shizuoka Prefecture once the Linear Shinkansen (Maglev) opens between Tokyo and Nagoya. Currently, Shizuoka and Hamamatsu stations receive one Hikari stop per hour, but this will double once the maglev line is operational. Niwa's proposal, presented to Governor Suzuki on January 30, could significantly impact the region’s economy. Local authorities, including Hamamatsu’s Mayor Yusuke Nakano, have welcomed the idea, citing potential boosts in regional economic activity and tourism, especially inbound tourism.

This announcement is a rare development following years of tension over the Linear Shinkansen’s environmental impact and lack of tangible benefits for Shizuoka. In 2017, former Governor Heita Kawakatsu voiced strong opposition, arguing that the project posed environmental risks and brought no benefits to the prefecture. Despite these concerns, JR Tokai has continued to promise improvements to Shinkansen services, though specifics had been vague until now. In 2023, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism estimated that Shizuoka could see a 1.5x increase in Shinkansen stops, further strengthening the case for the Linear Shinkansen’s positive impact on the region.

Info based on: https://www.fnn.jp/articles/-/823727 Accessed 2025-01-25

On January 30, JR Tokai President Shunsuke Niwa expressed his intention to increase the number of “Hikari” trains stopping at Hamamatsu Station in Shizuoka from the current one to two per hour when the Linear Central Shinkansen between Shinagawa and Nagoya begins service. He made the announcement during a meeting with Governor Suzuki on the same day.
　In an interview after the meeting, Mr. Niwa explained that the opening of the Linear Line will reduce the number of “Nozomi” passengers, which will create more room in the Shinkansen schedule. He also stated that after the entire line between Shinagawa and Osaka opens, the number of Shinkansen stops at other stations in the prefecture will be increased to “make the schedule more convenient for the people of Shizuoka Prefecture.

　Governor Suzuki had previously cited the increase in the number of Shinkansen stops as one of the benefits of the opening of the new line to the prefecture, and had asked JR to provide a specific number of stops. On the day of the meeting, Governor Suzuki said, “The answer was very thorough. I was pleased with the information. I think people will come to understand that the opening of the Linear Line is not without its merits.

　On the other hand, regarding the decision to start construction of the Shizuoka construction zone, he emphasized, “We will continue to carefully carry out the dialogue items (that we have requested from JR Tokai) as we have in the past.

　This was the second meeting between the two officials since last June. The meeting was held behind closed doors and lasted about 30 minutes.

　Regarding the impact of the opening of the Linear Line on the Tokaido Shinkansen, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism had indicated that the number of Hikari and Kodama stops in Shizuoka Prefecture could be increased by 1.5 times in 2023.

Info based on https://www.msn.com/ja-jp/news/money/%E ... r-AA1ymb6G Accesssed 2025-02-04

Prioritizing Dialogue: Shizuoka Governor Stresses Resolution of 24 Key Issues in Linear Shinkansen Project

Shizuoka Governor Yasutomo Suzuki reiterated in a press conference on the 6th that resolving 24 key discussion points with JR Tokai remains the top priority regarding the Linear Chuo Shinkansen project in the Shizuoka section. This statement follows his meeting with Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Hiroaki Nakano on the 5th, where both agreed on cooperation for the project's early completion. Suzuki emphasized that negotiations on the national government's involvement before and after construction would proceed only after the dialogue with JR Tokai concludes.

Local municipalities in the Oi River basin have raised concerns about water resource changes and have requested continuous governmental oversight of JR Tokai even after construction. During his meeting with Minister Nakano, Suzuki requested national involvement but stated that formal negotiations to clarify this in writing would only take place after discussions on environmental conservation and water resources are settled.

Info based on https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOCC ... 0C2000000/ Accessed 2025-02-06

JR Tokai President Shunsuke Niwa, who is aiming for an early start of construction of the Shizuoka construction zone, the most difficult task associated with the opening of the Linear Line, paid a courtesy visit to Governor Yasutomo Suzuki at the Shizuoka Prefectural Government Office on the evening of January 30.

There, Mr. Niwa promised to increase the number of Hikari trains at Shizuoka and Hamamatsu stations. Although Mr. Suzuki emphasizes the “merits” of the opening of the linear line, the road to the start of construction of the Shizuoka construction zone will not open easily.

Info based on https://www.msn.com/ja-jp/news/national ... r-AA1yHJ49 Accesssed 2025-02-10

A workmate once said to me you have to want to do it and I think as the Japanese president wants slow wheels that stop everywhere it is hard to drive the tunnel when everybody is against it.

鈴木静岡知事の豪腕「リニア開業で新幹線の静岡停車倍増！」残るは前任川勝氏の置いた「地雷」をどう処理するか
Governor Suzuki’s Strategic Breakthrough: Doubling Shinkansen Stops in Shizuoka

Former Shizuoka Governor Heita Kawakatsu frequently clashed with JR Tokai over the Linear Chuo Shinkansen project, delaying its progress with stringent environmental concerns. His successor, Governor Yasutomo Suzuki, has taken a more pragmatic approach, leading to a major breakthrough: JR Tokai’s commitment to doubling Hikari train stops in Shizuoka and Hamamatsu from one per hour to two after the Nagoya opening. This adjustment will enhance travel convenience and economic growth in Shizuoka, a long-awaited improvement for residents and businesses.

On January 30, JR Tokai President Shunsuke Niwa met with Governor Suzuki, marking significant progress in negotiations. While initial assumptions suggested limited schedule flexibility, JR Tokai reconsidered Shizuoka’s requests and made room for additional stops. The increased frequency, expected to bring Hikari services every 30 minutes, marks a rare and unprecedented adjustment in Shinkansen timetables.

Shizuoka has historically struggled with limited Shinkansen stops due to heavy demand in major metropolitan areas like Tokyo and Osaka. The expanded service is expected to benefit business travelers, commuters, and tourists alike. Additionally, JR Tokai intends to further increase Hikari stops once the entire Linear Shinkansen line to Osaka is completed, reinforcing long-term transport improvements.

Governor Suzuki expressed surprise and optimism following the meeting:

“There were three main topics in today’s meeting: the future direction of the 28 ongoing discussion items, direct explanations to municipalities along the river basin, and, most surprisingly, a plan to increase Hikari stops at Hamamatsu and Shizuoka from one per hour to two per hour after the Nagoya opening. We had previously asked JR Tokai for any indication of what impact this would have on the timetable, as it would be a major benefit for Shizuoka. Today, President Niwa specifically mentioned the possibility of a train every 30 minutes. This is a major development. Given the complexity of railway timetables, I understand how difficult it is for the railway company to provide a clear answer at this stage. Nonetheless, this was a very decisive response. I was truly surprised and pleased with this information.”

(Note: Quote is a translation from Japanese)

This marks a stark contrast to former Governor Kawakatsu’s tenure, which was characterized by inconsistent policies and obstructive tactics. While he claimed to support the Linear Shinkansen, he continuously raised environmental objections and imposed stringent conditions, significantly delaying progress. Some speculated that he aimed to leverage the project to secure a new Shinkansen station at Shizuoka Airport, though he denied this claim without providing a clear rationale for his opposition.

Kawakatsu’s adversarial approach made negotiations with JR Tokai difficult, leading to an impasse. In contrast, Suzuki’s strategy has secured tangible benefits, reinforcing Shizuoka’s position in Japan’s high-speed rail network. The doubling of Hikari stops is an unprecedented move, demonstrating JR Tokai’s willingness to accommodate regional needs in exchange for cooperation on the Linear project.

However, Suzuki still faces the challenge of addressing the “28 discussion items” imposed by Kawakatsu, which continue to complicate JR Tokai’s construction plans. Unlike other prefectures, Shizuoka has maintained unusually high approval hurdles, delaying a project beneficial to both the region and Japan as a whole.

As negotiations advance, Governor Suzuki’s leadership will be critical in ensuring that Shizuoka transitions from an obstacle to an active participant in the nation’s high-speed rail future.

Info and quote based on https://www.msn.com/ja-jp/news/national ... r-AA1yRaGw Accesssed 2025-02-12

That is the problem with the SC maglev like the president says you may as well have wheels if you are going to stop every 100 kilometres.

PS

Many apoligies because the SC maglev acceletates so rapidly and I was wrong.