[JP] Shizuoka Prefecture and JR Central Sign Agreement, Clearing Way for Maglev Construction

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maglev
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[JP] Shizuoka Prefecture and JR Central Sign Agreement, Clearing Way for Maglev Construction

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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
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NHK Japan
NHK Japan
20260718_12_1673259_L[1].jpg (153.04 KiB) Viewed 65 times
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.”

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Re: [JP] Shizuoka Prefecture and JR Central Sign Agreement, Clearing Way for Maglev Construction

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[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.

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