Shizuoka Prefecture Governor Suzuki Yasutomo announced he will sign a natural-environment conservation agreement with JR Central to allow construction of the Linear Central Shinkansen [1].
The decision resolves a long-standing political stalemate over environmental protections in the Shizuoka section, a critical gap that has stalled the maglev project for years. This approval allows the project to move forward after the previous 2027 opening target was abandoned [1].
Governor Suzuki said he will conclude the agreement with JR Central based on the prefecture's natural environment conservation ordinance [1]. JR Central President Niwa Shunsuke said the company is preparing to begin work as soon as possible and thanked those who provided cooperation and effort [1].
JR Central indicated that construction could begin within the calendar year 2024 [2]. However, the company noted that the opening of the line is now expected after 2036 [1].
The shift in policy marks a departure from the stance of the previous administration. Former Governor Kawakatsu Heita said the construction provides no benefit to the prefecture and called for the decision to be reconsidered [1].
Resident briefing meetings regarding the project were completed on July 22, 2024 [3]. The project aims to connect major Japanese cities via high-speed maglev technology, though the Shizuoka stretch remained the final hurdle due to concerns over water resources, and environmental impact [1, 3].
“The opening of the line is now expected after 2036.”
The approval by Governor Suzuki removes the primary political obstacle to Japan's most ambitious infrastructure project. By shifting from the absolute opposition of the previous administration to a conditional agreement based on conservation ordinances, the prefecture has transitioned the project from a legal deadlock to an engineering challenge. While the timeline has shifted significantly—pushing the opening beyond 2036—the agreement ensures the project's viability and signals a prioritization of national connectivity over local environmental vetoes.
