[JP] Shizuoka Governor Signals Positive Stance on Starting Chuo Shinkansen Maglev Construction

[latestnews]

[JP] Shizuoka Governor Signals Positive Stance on Starting Chuo Shinkansen Maglev Construction

Source: NHK News
Original title:
リニア 静岡県内での着工へ 鈴木知事が前向きな姿勢を強調
Date: May 27, 2026, 19:18
Original language: Japanese
Web link: https://news.web.nhk/newsweb/na/nb-3030032158
Accessed: May 27, 2026

As Governor Yasutomo Suzuki’s decision on whether to allow construction of the Chuo Shinkansen maglev line to begin in Shizuoka Prefecture comes into focus, the general assembly of the Construction Promotion Alliance, made up of prefectures and metropolitan governments along the route, was held in Tokyo.

About 250 people attended, including governors from areas along the line and members of the Diet. Governor Suzuki emphasized a positive stance toward advancing the project, and participants welcomed the progress of procedures in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Regarding construction in Shizuoka, the prefecture’s expert committees approved all measures presented by JR Central in March 2026. The remaining focus is when Governor Suzuki will approve the start of construction.

At the general assembly, Suzuki said: “[Translated quote] We have caused concern for everyone, but dialogue with JR Central has ended, and all of the issues we organized have now been resolved. We, too, want to firmly promote the project.”

Aichi Governor Hideaki Omura, who chairs the alliance, said: “[Translated quote] The Shizuoka section, which had been a long-standing concern, has reached a major milestone toward the start of construction, and now is the time for us to unite and move powerfully into the next stage.”

Finance Minister Katayama also said: “[Translated quote] In Shizuoka Prefecture, there has been major progress since the governor changed, and I am pleased. We want to promote the maglev, which fully satisfies the conditions of our country’s growth strategy and other policies.”

The assembly adopted a resolution calling for early development of the full line. It included the early start of work in the Shizuoka section, reliable implementation of measures to conserve water resources and the natural environment, and the presentation of an opening schedule.

Afterward, Governor Suzuki and others met with Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Yoko Sakai and submitted the contents of the resolution as a request.

After the meeting, Suzuki addressed the timing of his decision on whether to approve the start of construction in Shizuoka Prefecture: “[Translated quote] Once JR Central’s residents’ briefings and the procedures under the various laws and regulations have all been completed, I would like to make my political judgment.”

[latestnews]

[JP] JR Central President Pledges Continued Effort Toward Early Start of Shizuoka Maglev Work

Source: Jiji Press
Original title:
ＪＲ東海社長、早期着工へ「真摯に取り組む」＝リニア静岡工区の関係首長と意見交換
Date: May 31, 2026, 21:46
Original language: Japanese
Web link: https://sp.m.jiji.com/article/show/3788145
Accessed: May 31, 2026

JR Central held an exchange of views in Shizuoka City on May 31 with the leaders of 10 municipalities in the Oi River basin regarding the Shizuoka section of the Chuo Shinkansen maglev project.

At the opening of the meeting, JR Central President Shunsuke Niwa said: “[Translated quote] We would like to continue working sincerely toward an early start of work on the Shizuoka section.”

The meeting followed the completion of dialogue between JR Central and Shizuoka Prefecture’s expert subcommittees on environmental conservation measures. Leaders from eight cities and two towns in the Oi River basin, where concerns remain about possible reductions in water volume, took part.

JR Central explained its “post-investigation report,” which summarizes the content of dialogue with Shizuoka Prefecture and Shizuoka City on environmental conservation. Future regional development measures were also discussed.

After the meeting, Niwa said: “[Translated quote] We agreed to exchange written documents with the eight cities and two towns regarding the content of the opinion-exchange meeting.”

Shimada Mayor Kinuyo Someya said: “[Translated quote] We would like to cooperate so that we can develop with trust.”