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[JP] Shizuoka Prefecture and JR Central Sign Agreement, Clearing Way for Maglev Construction
Source: Nikkei
Original title:
Shizuoka Pref., JR Central sign deal to allow maglev rail construction
Date: July 18, 2026
Original language: English
Web link: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20260718_12/
Accessed: July 18, 2026
. Photo from: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20260718_12/ Accessed: July 18, 2026
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Shizuoka Prefecture and JR Central signed the Natural Environment Conservation Agreement on July 18, allowing construction of the Chuo Shinkansen maglev line in Shizuoka to proceed. Governor Yasutomo Suzuki and JR Central President Shunsuke Niwa attended the ceremony.

Governor Suzuki stated: “[Translated quote] Shizuoka Prefecture has continued careful discussions with JR Central for nearly a decade, and that it is very meaningful for the agreement to be signed.”
Niwa said: “[Translated quote] My company will steadily implement the steps promised in the agreement, including environment conservation measures.” The agreement requires JR Central to halt construction in the event of unexpected developments.

JR Central plans to start construction after providing explanations to local residents.

Niwa told reporters: “[Translated quote] Determining the period required for construction of the Shizuoka section will take some time. Factors that need to be considered include the excavation of tunnels in neighboring Yamanashi and Nagano prefectures, and the environment conservation measures. I hope to indicate the timing for the start of operations when the reviews are completed.”

[JP] Shizuoka and JR Central Sign Agreement, Maglev Construction to Begin in Prefecture
Source: NHK
Original title:
リニア中央新幹線 静岡県内着工へ 静岡県とJR東海協定締結
Date: July 18, 2026, 19:44
Original language: Japanese
Web link: https://news.web.nhk/newsweb/na/na-k10015180281000
Accessed: July 18, 2026

Shizuoka Prefecture and JR Central signed the Natural Environment Conservation Agreement on July 18, enabling construction of the Chuo Shinkansen maglev line in Shizuoka to proceed.

Regarding the opening date, Niwa noted: “[Translated quote] Determining the Shizuoka section’s construction period requires time, considering tunnel excavation from Yamanashi and Nagano and environmental measures. We will announce the opening date once review results are available.” He added: “[Translated quote] I feel a sense of tension. The construction start date is undecided, but I want to make preparations so we can start construction as soon as possible.” The Shizuoka section, with its harsh mountain terrain, may take over 10 years.

Professor Fukui Yoshitaka of Aoyama Gakuin University warned: “[Translated quote] Material prices have risen by about 40% since 2021. If they rise another 30% over the next 10 years, total construction costs could increase by about 20% from current estimates. With Japan’s population decline, transportation volume growth is unlikely, making the outlook very uncertain and challenging for JR Central.”

Mitsubishi UFJ Research & Consulting estimates economic effects of at least ¥10.7 trillion over 50 years for the Shinagawa–Nagoya section, rising to ¥18.6 trillion with full extension to Osaka.
Nagoya City plans station-area redevelopment, and real estate developers anticipate new demand from Tokyo commuting.

[JP] Transport Minister Kaneko Welcomes Shizuoka Maglev Agreement: 'Finally at Starting Point'
Source: Kanko Keizai
Original title:
金子国交相、リニア中央新幹線・静岡工区の協定締結を歓迎　「ようやくスタート地点に」
Date: July 28, 2026
Original language: Japanese
Web link: https://www.kankokeizai.com/2607280730kks/
Accessed: July 28, 2026

Transport Minister Yasuyuki Kaneko welcomed the July 18 Natural Environment Conservation Agreement between Shizuoka Prefecture and JR Central for the Shizuoka maglev section, stating: “[Translated quote] I recognize that the Shizuoka section has finally reached the starting point.”

The agreement, signed with related municipalities and MLIT in attendance, addresses tunnel construction environmental impacts. At a July 21 press conference, Kaneko added: “[Translated quote] I wholeheartedly welcome this major milestone after long discussions among many stakeholders. Once again, I express my respect for the efforts of Shizuoka Prefecture, JR Central, and all other stakeholders.”

[JP] Shizuoka Grants River Act Permission for Maglev Construction, Clearing Path for Start

Source: Yomiuri Shimbun
Original title:
リニア着工へ河川法で許可　県、ＪＲ東海に
Date: August 8, 2026, 05:00
Original language: Japanese
Web link: https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/local/shizuok ... YTNT00213/
Accessed: August 8, 2026

On August 7, Shizuoka Prefecture granted JR Central River Act permission for land occupation and new structure construction across six river sites, clearing a key legal hurdle for Chuo Shinkansen maglev Shizuoka section construction.

The Shizuoka section passes underground through the Southern Alps and upper Oigawa River. JR Central will construct the Southern Alps Tunnel and other structures, with permission covering Oigawa River (2 sites), Nishimata River (3 sites), and Okunishigouchi River (1 site). The approval, valid until March 31, 2036, is conditional on compliance with the Natural Environment Conservation Ordinance agreement. Extensions require renewal applications.

JR Central had applied on July 3. In Shizuoka City, separate Embankment Regulation Act procedures are ongoing.