[JP] Former Shizuoka Governor’s Renewed Remarks Draw Criticism as Maglev Project Nears Shizuoka Milestone

[latestnews]

Source: Sankei Shimbun / sankei.com
Original title:
リニア静岡問題、蒸し返す前知事の無責任発言…久々登場で相変わらずのゴールポストずらし
Date: June 7, 2026, 08:00
Original language: Japanese
Web link: https://www.sankei.com/article/20260607 ... UJTF2I4PI/
Accessed: June 7, 2026

The delayed Chuo Shinkansen maglev project may reach a major milestone as early as this summer. On the Tokyo/Shinagawa–Nagoya section, where JR Central aims for an initial opening, construction in the Shizuoka section is now expected to be approved. Environmental talks over concerns raised by Shizuoka Prefecture were settled in March, ending more than eight and a half years of confrontation between the prefecture and JR Central.

For Ryotaro Fukuda, who covered the issue during the period when Shizuoka Prefecture maintained a hard-line stance, this could have been a moment of deep significance. Instead, recent remarks by former Governor Heita Kawakatsu caused anger.

Kawakatsu led opposition to the start of construction while serving as governor. After resigning in 2024 over a verbal controversy, he referred to the maglev issue for the first time since leaving office. Asked about the end of talks between Shizuoka Prefecture and JR Central, he replied: “[Translated quote] It is not over, is it? … Before a political judgment is made, an ethical judgment must be properly shared.”

[Miss Maglev]

[JP] Former Shizuoka Governor Kawakatsu Reiterates Opposition: 'Construction is All Harm, No Benefit for Southern Alps'
Source: Asahi Shimbun
Original title:
リニア静岡工事、川勝前知事がメッセージ　「百害あって一利なし」
Date: July 11, 2026, 18:53
Original language: Japanese
Web link: https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASV7C34J ... B00LM.html
Accessed: July 11, 2026

Former Shizuoka Governor Heita Kawakatsu (77) reiterated his opposition to the Chuo Shinkansen maglev Shizuoka section construction in a message read at a citizen’s meeting in Shizuoka City on July 11. Despite the current governor’s July 7 approval, Kawakatsu emphasized: “[Translated quote] The construction is all harm and no benefit for the Southern Alps.”
The meeting was organized by the Shizuoka Citizen Network to Consider the Southern Alps and Maglev. Kawakatsu, who sent his message via email on July 8, stated: “[Translated quote] The Southern Alps are filled with life-giving water throughout the mountains, where various creatures thrive,” claiming construction could reduce Oigawa River flow and degrade water quality. He warned: “[Translated quote] It is about to inflict immeasurable harm on the Southern Alps, a treasure of the nation.”
The prefecture’s expert panel has discussed Oigawa River flow reduction and biodiversity impacts, approving JR Central’s countermeasures. Kawakatsu first opposed the project in 2017 over flow concerns and resigned in 2024 following inappropriate remarks. He now lives a hermit-like life in a mountain hut.

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[JP] Nine-Year Maglev Stalemate: Former Governor Kawakatsu's 'I've Had Enough' Moment
Source: Asahi Shimbun
Original title:
迷走したリニアの9年間　知事は「恥を知れ」と名指しで国の局長批判
Date: July 19, 2026, 09:00
Original language: Japanese
Web link: https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASV7H2RG ... L00KM.html
Accessed: July 19, 2026

The Shizuoka section represented the greatest obstacle to the Chuo Shinkansen maglev line’s original 2027 opening target. The stalemate began in earnest on October 10, 2017, when Governor Heita Kawakatsu declared at a press conference: “[Translated quote] They say they’ll return some water, so just let us do the construction. I’ve had enough of this attitude.”
The conflict centered on JR Central’s 2013 prediction that tunnel excavation in the Southern Alps would reduce Oigawa River flow by up to 2 tons per second. The river’s water is vital for 10 cities and towns in its basin, supporting tea fields, sake brewing, and drinking water. Past water shortages made securing water the region’s top priority. Governor Kawakatsu, calling it “life-giving water,” demanded action, but discussions reached an impasse.
JR Central only showed flexibility in 2018, stating it would “in principle, return all water.” Meanwhile, Shizuoka established its own expert committee, expanding environmental discussions to the Southern Alps ecosystem. At the prefecture’s request, MLIT created an expert committee in 2020 to organize the debate, but Governor Kawakatsu remained unconvinced. In March 2024, JR Central officially abandoned its 2027 opening target.
The article attributes the prolonged dispute to a failure by JR Central, Shizuoka Prefecture, and MLIT to build trust. The delay caused construction costs to swell, disrupted local planning along the line, and exposed construction risks.