[JP] 'Globally Outdated' Maglev: Is It Really Necessary? Stop Maglev Lawsuit Marks 10 Years

[Miss Maglev]

[JP] 'Globally Outdated' Maglev: Is It Really Necessary? Stop Maglev Lawsuit Marks 10 Years
Source: Tokyo NP
Original title:
「世界的に見て時代遅れ」のリニア、本当に必要？　静岡県もついに着工を容認したけれど
Date: July 26, 2026, 06:00
Original language: Japanese
Web link: https://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/503720
Accessed: July 26, 2026

The “Stop Maglev” lawsuit, seeking cancellation of construction approval, marked its 10th anniversary with a July 18 commemorative gathering in Kawasaki City. While construction has progressed and Shizuoka Prefecture finally approved construction, surface impact troubles have also emerged.
In May 2016, residents along the line filed an administrative lawsuit in Tokyo District Court, arguing the project lacked safety assurances and had significant environmental impacts. The court dismissed most claims in 2020 and the full lawsuit in 2023; the appeal continues at Tokyo High Court.
At the gathering, legal team chief Satoshi Yokoyama emphasized: “[Translated quote] Is the Chuo Shinkansen maglev line really necessary? I cannot accept building an unsafe vehicle that destroys nature and passing it on to future generations.” He cited water level decreases in Gifu’s Mizuho City and road uplift in Tokyo’s Shinagawa Ward as issues not considered in environmental assessments: “[Translated quote] There is no trace of these being considered in the prior environmental impact assessment. If thorough geological and groundwater surveys had been conducted, it might have been possible to reduce or avoid damage.”

Yoshikazu Buchiue, JR Central labor union executive, criticized the corporate stance of forcing local endurance under a “national project” banner and warned of financial collapse: “[Translated quote] Will it go bankrupt, or will we be forced to say ‘we can’t stop now that we’ve built this far, so please cooperate’ and have taxes pay for it?” Journalist Hideki Kashida stated: “[Translated quote] JR Central is not the only one responsible; local governments that protect residents have responsibility. If local governments had tried harder, the maglev problem wouldn’t have become so chaotic.” He proposed appealing to youth through environmental events and SNS.

Lawyer Yasuo Sekijima highlighted water resource and excess soil issues, noting the difficulty of addressing a vast region through a single lawsuit. About 140 people attended, confirming a resolution to prevent leaving a “negative legacy” for future generations.

Plaintiff group leader Teruaki Kawamura stated: “[Translated quote] The change of governor had a significant impact. I want to support the residents of Shizuoka Prefecture who continue the movement.” Reflecting on 10 years, he said: “[Translated quote] We have informed people about problems such as natural destruction caused by the maglev, and lawsuits have been filed even in rural areas. In the future, we will do our best in the lawsuit. We want to convey to society what is being sacrificed in the shadow of the maglev, whose selling point is quick movement, and ask which is more important.”