Shizuoka gov. OKs start of construction for stalled maglev train project

Shizuoka Gov. Yasutomo Suzuki told the prefectural assembly Tuesday that he will allow Central Japan Railway Co. to begin construction of the Shizuoka section of a new high-speed maglev train line between Tokyo and Nagoya.

The decision marks a major turning point in the prefecture's policy on the Linear Chuo Shinkansen project, which had faced delays due to former Gov. Heita Kawakatsu's adamant opposition since 2017 over environmental impact concerns, including possible reduced water flow in the Oi River.

The prefecture plans to conclude an agreement with JR Central on July 18 under an ordinance on natural environment conservation, which is required for the start of construction, according to Suzuki.

Construction could begin within the year, with the Shizuoka section expected to take at least 10 years to complete. The opening of the Tokyo to Nagoya leg would be in 2036 at the earliest.

Suzuki said he granted approval as he "recognized progress in residents' understanding" regarding the project.

Noting that some residents remain uneasy about its impact on the Oi River, Suzuki called on JR Central to ensure that construction is "compatible with the conservation of water resources and the natural environment," while stressing that the prefectural government plans to continuously monitor the construction process.

As a precondition for approval, Suzuki had required JR Central to provide thorough explanations to local residents regarding the construction.

By March, a prefectural expert panel had accepted all 28 environmental protection items that Shizuoka had demanded the company address before construction could begin. The final approval decision rested on Suzuki.

The line's first leg from Tokyo's Shinagawa Station to Nagoya Station in central Japan was originally planned to open in 2027, but JR Central conceded in March 2024 that it had given up on meeting the target amid the long-running opposition from Kawakatsu, pushing back the schedule possibly to 2034 or later.

Following Kawakatsu's abrupt resignation in May 2024 over inappropriate remarks, Suzuki took office and adopted a dialogue-focused stance, touting the maglev's economic benefits and disaster-prevention advantages.

The Shizuoka section is an approximately 8.9-kilometer stretch that forms part of the Southern Alps Tunnel spanning Yamanashi, Shizuoka and Nagano prefectures. It cuts across the northern part of Aoi Ward, through which the Oi River flows.

The Oi River is a vital water source in Shizuoka, including providing irrigation for the prefecture's rice paddies and signature tea fields.