][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.”