THE HALFAX HEIMDALL AUGUR

Japan's Maglev Dream Gets Back on Track After Nine-Year Battle Japan LifeNews & Opinion Following years of environmental concerns and political opposition, construction of the Shizuoka stretch is finally set to begin July 8, 2026 After nearly nine years of deadlock, the ambitious Linear Chuo Shinkansen maglev project is officially back on track. On Tuesday, Governor Yasutomo Suzuki approved construction of the long-delayed stretch of the Tokyo–Nagoya line through Shizuoka. Former Governor Heita Kawakatsu had strongly opposed the high-speed train project, citing environmental concerns including reduced water flow in the Oi River. As a condition of approval, a Shizuoka expert panel required JR Central to address 28 environmental protection measures. By March, the expert panel had cleared all 28 items. The final decision on whether to allow construction, however, rested with Suzuki. “We will continue to ask JR Tokai to provide us with accurate information and detailed 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,” Suzukisaidat Tuesday’s prefectural assem…

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

Shizuoka governor OKs start of construction for stalled maglev train ... A test vehicle for the Linear Chuo Shinkansen Image: Central Japan Railway Co/Kyodo national Shizuoka governor OKs start of construction for stalled maglev train project July 8 04:01 pm JST July 8 | 04:05 pm JST 37 Comments SHIZUOKA 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 earlies…

Tokyo to Nagoya in 40 minutes: Japan approves 500 kmph high-speed ... Maglev train in Japan:Japan has approved the construction of anew high-speed maglev train lineconnecting Tokyo (Shinagawa) and Nagoya. According to The Japan Times, Shizuoka Governor Yasutomo Suzuki informed the assembly on Tuesday about the planned construction of theShizuoka section of the Chuo Shinkansen maglev line, ending a nine-year deadlock. The project had been stalled since 2017 due to concerns over its potential environmental impact. According to the report, the Shizuoka section is considered to be the most challenging part of the Chuo Shinkansen maglev line, which will connect Tokyo’s Shinagawa Station with Nagoya Station in Aichi Prefecture. According to Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central), the new maglev train will operate at a maximum speed of 500 kmph. The Chuo Shinkansen maglev service will reduce travel time between Tokyo’s Shinagawa Station and Nagoya Station to around 40 minutes, while the journey from Shinagawa to Osaka will take only about 67 minutes. Currently, the journey takes about 86 minutes from Tokyo’s Shinagawa Station to Nagoya and about 134 minutes to Osaka on the Tokaido…

Shizuoka gov. OKs start of construction for stalled maglev train ... This file photo shows a test vehicle for the Linear Chuo Shinkansen. (Photo courtesy of Central Japan Railway Co.) (Kyodo) SHIZUOKA, Japan (Kyodo) -- 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 be…

Shizuoka set to approve maglev construction - The Japan Times Shizuoka –Shizuoka Prefecture’s special committee has approved environmental conservation measures for a section of the planned Chuo Shinkansen maglev line. The committee approved all 28 measures proposed by Central Japan Railway Co., or JR Central, including those to reduce water consumption, on Thursday. JR Central will now begin procedures to obtain consent from related municipalities. “A very big hurdle has been overcome,” Sho Hiraki, vice governor of Shizuoka, told reporters. “Construction could start before the end of the year.” Former Shizuoka Gov. Heita Kawakatsu had refused to approve the start of construction, citing environmental concerns, including a potential decrease in the flow of the Oi River. However, the current governor, Yasutomo Suzuki, supports the maglev line project and is expected to grant approval. “It is essential (for JR Tokai) to provide explanations to residents and follow legal procedures,” Suzuki said in a statement. “We will continue to ask for sincere action.” JR Central said in a separate statement, “We want to start work in the Shizuoka section as soon as possible to enable an ea…

Shizuoka gov. OKs start of construction for stalled maglev train project SHIZUOKA, Japan (Kyodo) -- Shizuoka Gov. Yasutomo Suzuki told the prefectural assembly Tuesday that he will allow Central Japan Railway Co. to begin c

Shizuoka chief set to approve construction for maglev line The Asahi Shimbun National Report article By AKIFUMI NAGAHASHI/ Staff Writer June 24, 2026 at 17:28 JST The lead car of the improved L0 series train running on the Yamanashi maglev test line (Asahi Shimbun file photo) SHIZUOKA—After prolonged opposition from his predecessor, Shizuoka Governor Yasutomo Suzuki is considering approving construction for the Shizuoka section of the Linear Chuo Shinkansen maglev line as early as July. The section is the only part of the planned high-speed line connecting Tokyo’s Shinagawa Station and Nagoya Station where construction has not started. “The necessary pieces for a decision are steadily coming together,” Suzuki said, regarding his approval for the work. “I should be able to present some sort of conclusion in the near future.” Suzuki’s predecessor, Heita Kawakatsu, had blocked Central Japan Railway Co. (JR Tokai) from working on the maglev line in the prefecture, saying construction could reduce water flow in the Oigawa river system, which supplies local residents and farmers. Kawakatsu resigned in May 2024 over comments perceived as occupational discrimination. In March t…

Shizuoka Pref. Set to Approve Maglev Construction | 時事通信ニュース リニア中央新幹線静岡工区を巡り、静岡県の専門部会は２６日、ＪＲ東海の環境保全策を了承した。水量減少対策など計２８項目全てで同社の対策が認められた。リニア推進を掲げる鈴木康友知事は着工を容認する見通しだ。ＪＲ東海は今後、関係市町の同意を得る手続きに入る。 鈴木氏は「住民への説明や法令に基づく手続きをしっかり行ってもらうことが不可欠だ。引き続き誠意を持った対応を求めていく」とのコメントを出した。平木省副知事は、記者団に「非常に大きなハードルはクリアされた。年内に着工ということもあり得る」と述べた。 静岡工区は静岡市の山間部に位置する８．９キロの区間。川勝平太前知事が工事で大井川の流量減少など、環境への影響が懸念されるとして、着工を認めてこなかった。（2026/03/26-19:02） 英文版に切り替え Shizuoka Prefecture's special committee has approved environmental conservation measures for a section in the central Japan prefecture of the planned Chuo Shinkansen high-speed magnetic levitation train line. The committee approved all 28 measures proposed by Central Japan Railway Co., or JR Tokai, including those to reduce water consumption, on Thursday. JR Tokai will now begin procedures to obtain consent from related municipalities. "A very big hurdle has been overcome," Sho Hiraki, vice governor of Shizuoka, told reporters. "Construction could start before the end of the year." Former Shizuoka Governor Heita Kawakatsu had refused to approve the start of construction, citing environmental concerns, including a potential decrease in the flow of the Oi River. However, the …