SHIZUOKA, Japan - 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.
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.
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 prefecture will aim to conclude an agreement with JR Central this month under an ordinance on natural environment conservation, which is required for the start of construction.
The line's first leg from Tokyo's Shinagawa to Nagoya 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.
