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- 2025-05-05_Sankei
Japan's nationwide expansion of its Shinkansen (bullet train) network is facing widespread delays. Key issues include technical difficulties in construction, complex negotiations with local governments, labor shortages, and soaring material costs.
The Chūō Shinkansen, Japan's next-generation maglev bullet train, is intended to become a high-speed alternative to the Tōkaidō Shinkansen, connecting Tokyo (Shinagawa) and Nagoya. Originally scheduled to open in 2027, the project has been delayed indefinitely due to unresolved environmental and political issues—primarily in Shizuoka Prefecture. Former Shizuoka Governor Heita Kawakatsu opposed the start of tunnel construction through the Southern Alps, citing concerns about reduced water flow in the Ōi River and potential environmental damage. In 2019, the prefecture identified 47 areas of concern, later reduced to 28. As of now, only 8 have been officially resolved, while 18 remain under discussion. Without agreement, the 8.9 km section in Shizuoka remains untouched.
JR Central states that construction from Shinagawa to Nagoya will require about 10 years from the start of work in Shizuoka. Given the ongoing deadlock, the project's opening is now expected no earlier than 2035. While other segments, such as tunneling in Yamanashi Prefecture, are progressing, softer-than-expected geological conditions have required reinforcement, though JR Central says this won’t affect the broader timeline beyond the Shizuoka delay.
In an effort to gain local understanding, JR Central held 20 public information sessions in 8 cities and 2 towns along the Ōi River between March and April 2025, with over 700 residents attending. The company continues to stress the importance of dialogue and public trust to move the project forward. Meanwhile, in Yamanashi Prefecture, geological conditions have required additional reinforcement for tunnel construction, though JR Central claims this won't impact the overall timeline beyond existing delays.
Delays also plague the Hokuriku Shinkansen, especially on the unbuilt section from Tsuruga to Shin-Osaka. Despite selecting the “Obama-Kyoto Route” in 2016, construction hasn’t begun due to environmental and financial concerns raised in Kyoto. Rising material and labor costs have pushed projected construction expenses from ¥2.1 trillion to over ¥5 trillion. Disagreements remain over the final route and its feasibility. Some in Ishikawa Prefecture argue for reconsideration of a previously rejected route connecting via Maibara to reduce costs. Nonetheless, local efforts to promote the existing plan continue.
In Kyushu, the extension of the West Kyushu Route from Shin-Tosu to Takeo-Onsen remains uncertain. While Nagasaki Prefecture pushes for a full “standard-gauge” Shinkansen, Saga Prefecture resists due to high costs and limited local benefit. Originally, a variable-gauge train that could use existing rail was proposed, but that technology was abandoned in 2018. Saga officials fear that a full Shinkansen could reduce existing express train services and believe the project disproportionately favors Nagasaki.
Finally, the Hokkaido Shinkansen extension from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto to Sapporo has been pushed back from its original 2030 target to fiscal 2038. The delay is due to the discovery of unexpectedly hard rock formations, with around 80% of the route requiring tunneling. Labor and material shortages further complicate progress. Urban redevelopment around Sapporo Station is tied to the Shinkansen project, increasing pressure for timely completion.
Across all regions, the goal of balanced national development through Shinkansen expansion faces mounting obstacles. Without stronger consensus and more efficient construction solutions, full nationwide connectivity remains a distant goal.
Info based on: https://www.sankei.com/article/20250505 ... PHU6HMV7M/ Accessed 2025-05-05