[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.

[latestnews]

[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.

[latestnews]

[JP] Former Governor Kawakatsu Reiterates Opposition: 'Maglev Construction is All Harm, No Benefit'
Source: Sankei News
Original title:
前知事、リニア工事「一利なし」　川勝平太氏、静岡工区に反対
Date: July 11, 2026, 18:00 (updated 18:26)
Original language: Japanese
Web link: https://www.sanyonews.jp/article/1953348?kw=26
Accessed: July 11, 2026

At a July 11 citizen’s meeting in Shizuoka City opposing the Chuo Shinkansen maglev Shizuoka section, a statement from former Governor Heita Kawakatsu was read aloud. He argued that tunnel excavation will destroy the Southern Alps’ rich nature and violate Japan’s international responsibility to preserve humanity’s shared heritage, declaring: “[Translated quote] It’s all harm and no benefit.”

Kawakatsu also stated: “[Translated quote] The overall plan should be reviewed,” citing delays in and outside Shizuoka that have increased total costs. There was no direct comment on Governor Suzuki’s July 7 construction approval. The Southern Alps are a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with high ecosystem value.

[latestnews]

[JP] Maglev Tunnel Construction Threatens Forests: Former Governor Warns 'All Harm, No Benefit'

Source: FNN / TV Shizuoka
Original title:
リニア　トンネル工事で消えてしまう森　川勝氏「百害あって一利なし」と警鐘　以前より素晴らしい森にする責任
Date: August 16, 2026, 09:03
Original language: Japanese
Web link: https://www.fnn.jp/articles/-/1094118
Accessed: August 16, 2026

With Shizuoka section construction approved, the Chuo Shinkansen maglev line faces significant environmental impacts as tunnel excavation threatens local forests. Former Governor Kawakatsu had strongly criticized the project, stating: “[Translated quote] Tunnel construction in the Southern Alps has a hundred harms and not a single benefit.”

The construction will create six permanent soil placement sites in the upper Oigawa River basin to store 3.6 million m³ of excavated soil—equivalent to three Tokyo Domes. This will bury Tsubamezawa Forest, located ~100 km north of Shizuoka City. Shizuoka University Guest Professor Takeshi Masuzawa explained: “[Translated quote] Tsubamezawa Forest has many large trees on flat ground, close to a ‘giant tree forest’.” The soil will be piled up to 65 m, and logging is scheduled for 2026–2027.

Since 2023, Shizuoka City and citizens have documented the forest to guide post-construction restoration. JR Central plans disaster-proof embankments, soil cover, and reforestation using native seeds. High school student Teppei Sakawaki stated: “[Translated quote] I want to see what natural environment will be lost and, by sharing this, help residents understand the crisis,” and “[Translated quote] Residents should be more involved in discussions.”

Survey data revealed human-preserved forest characteristics. Logging has already begun at Sengoku Emergency Exit Yard. Adjacent Doronoki groves, habitat for endangered Ooichimonji butterflies, were protected after decade-long debate.

The article concludes that those who intervened must restore a forest “[Translated quote] even more wonderful than before.”

[latestnews]

[JP] 'Former Governor Kawakatsu Was Right?' Groundwater Depletion from Maglev Construction Sparks Reevaluation
Source: Nikkei CrossTech / Nikkei Construction
Original title:
川勝前知事は正しかった？　「リニアで井戸枯れ」報道受け静岡に脚光
Author: Masayuki Aono
Date: January 30, 2026
Original language: Japanese
Web link: https://xtech.nikkei.com/atcl/nxt/colum ... 012601943/
Accessed: August 16, 2026

A historic well in Gifu Prefecture’s Mizunami City, said to have never dried in over 300 years, ran dry due to Chuo Shinkansen maglev tunnel construction. The Hiyoshi Tunnel’s excavation caused a ~60 m groundwater drop and subsidence, with no recovery measures found.

Nikkei CrossTech’s November 4, 2025 report triggered SNS debate, with many arguing: “[Translated quote] Former Governor Kawakatsu was right.” Kawakatsu had warned Shizuoka’s Oigawa River water resources would be lost, adopting a hardline stance against JR Central. While criticized as “[Translated quote] just being stubborn” during his term, the Gifu incident has led to reassessment of his position.

However, the situations differ: Gifu’s water loss occurred near the tunnel, while Shizuoka’s concerns involve the Oigawa River’s middle/lower reaches, far from construction. Still, Shizuoka’s risk management approach offers lessons.

JR Central’s response was slow: tunnel water inflow emerged in December 2023, but construction continued due to soft ground risks. When inflow recurred in February 2024, the groundwater drop accelerated.