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[JP] Shizuoka Governor Approves Maglev Construction, Ending 9-Year Impasse
Source: Jiji Press
Original title:
Shizuoka Ends 9-Yr Impasse over Maglev Line as Gov. Gives Approval
Date: July 7, 2026, 16:34 JST
Original language: English
Web link: https://www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj20260 ... roval.html
Accessed: July 7, 2026

Shizuoka Governor Yasutomo Suzuki approved construction of the Shizuoka section of the Chuo Shinkansen maglev line on July 7, ending a nearly nine-year impasse. The decision, announced at a prefectural assembly meeting, reverses his predecessor Heita Kawakatsu’s opposition based on concerns that tunneling could reduce Oi River water flow and damage the Southern Japanese Alps ecosystem.
The prefectural government will sign a natural environment conservation agreement with JR Tokai on July 18. At the assembly meeting, Governor Suzuki said: “[Translated quote] We’ll continue to ask JR Tokai to provide us with accurate information and in-depth explanations, in order to achieve both the construction of the Chuo Shinkansen line and the conservation of the natural environment, including the Oi River’s water resources.”
JR Tokai plans to accelerate preparations, but the 8.9-km Shizuoka section is expected to take at least a decade to complete. The line’s opening is now expected to be delayed until at least 2036.

[JP] Shizuoka Prefecture Greenlights Long-Stalled Chuo Shinkansen Maglev Line
Source: Bloomberg / The Japan Times
Original title:
Long-stalled maglev line finally gets green light from Shizuoka Prefecture
Date: July 7, 2026
Original language: English
Web link: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/ ... reenlight/
Accessed: July 7, 2026

Shizuoka Prefecture has approved the Chuo Shinkansen maglev line, ending years of delays caused by environmental concerns. Governor Yasutomo Suzuki stated at a prefectural assembly on July 7 that “[Translated quote] the overall progress of the public briefing sessions and other aspects of the environmental impact assessment process has steadily deepened,” enabling an agreement to be signed.
The prefectural government will sign a nature conservation agreement with JR Central on July 18, paving the way for construction. The 286-km line, connecting Tokyo to Nagoya in around 40 minutes, is a major national infrastructure project. Construction began in 2014 except for Shizuoka’s 9-km section, where former Governor Heita Kawakatsu opposed the project in 2017 over ecosystem and Oi River water level concerns.
After Kawakatsu’s 2024 resignation, a prefectural expert panel approved JR Central’s environmental measures in March. JR Central subsequently held 22 briefing sessions. Governor Suzuki noted: “[Translated quote] despite some remaining unconvinced, progressed understanding among local residents.” Construction is targeted to begin this year, with completion by 2036 at the earliest.

[JP] Shizuoka Governor Announces Maglev Construction Approval, Water Resource Debate Resolved
Source: Asahi Shimbun
Original title:
リニア静岡工区、静岡県知事が着工容認を表明　水資源の議論が決着
Date: July 7, 2026, 11:33 (updated 12:07)
Original language: Japanese
Web link: https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASV77042 ... B002M.html
Accessed: July 7, 2026

On July 7, Shizuoka Governor Yasutomo Suzuki announced at the prefectural assembly his approval for construction of the Shizuoka section—the only unstarted stretch of the Chuo Shinkansen maglev line between Shinagawa and Nagoya. JR Central originally planned to begin work by 2017 but faced delays due to water resource concerns.

The prefecture will sign an agreement with JR Central on July 18 under the Shizuoka Natural Environment Conservation Ordinance, enabling construction to start once procedures are complete. Governor Suzuki stated: “[Translated quote] Understanding among prefectural residents, municipalities in the river basin, and related organizations has steadily progressed, and I have judged that we have reached a stage where we can conclude the agreement.” He emphasized: “[Translated quote] There are still people who have anxieties and concerns about the impact on water resources. The prefecture will thoroughly respond to these.”

The 8.9-km Shizuoka section is part of the 25-km Southern Alps Tunnel, adjacent to the Nagano section where maximum soil cover reaches 1,400 m, making it one of the most difficult construction projects. Even the original plan estimated 10 years to completion. Former Governor Heita Kawakatsu opposed the project in 2017 over Oigawa River flow concerns, forcing JR Central to abandon its 2027 opening target. After Kawakatsu’s 2024 resignation, discussions progressed, with a prefectural expert panel approving all JR Central countermeasures in March and resident explanation sessions concluding by June.