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Tag - chuo-shinkansen

 
 

CHUO SHINKANSEN

Shizuoka Gov. Yasutomo Suzuki (right) and JR Central President Shunsuke Niwa pose for photos Saturday after signing an environmental preservation agreement, paving the way for the construction of a section of the magnetic levitation train line in the prefecture.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø
Jul 19, 2026
Shizuoka and JR Central sign pact to start maglev construction
The completion of the Shizuoka section of the line is expected to take over 10 years.
Japan's closely watched maglev train project still faces major challenges, including soaring construction costs, despite clearing a key hurdle with a prefectural governor's long-awaited approval.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø / FOCUS
Jul 8, 2026
Despite the green light, challenges lie ahead for Japan¡¯s maglev project
Central Japan Railway now expects the train line¡¯s opening to be in 2036, at the earliest, even if construction kicks off by the end of this year.
Environmental concerns relating to the construction of Central Japan Railway¡¯s high-speed maglev line had contributed to years of delays for the project.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø
Jul 7, 2026
Long-stalled maglev line finally gets green light from Shizuoka Prefecture
Environmental concerns had led to years of delays, but now that understanding has ¡°steadily deepened,¡± it is now possible to move forward, Shizuoka¡¯s governor said.
A maglev train exhibited in Tsuru, Yamanashi Prefecture, in 2020
51³Ô¹ÏÍø
Jun 24, 2026
Shizuoka governor to approve maglev line construction
Shizuoka Gov. Yasutomo Suzuki plans to announce the approval at a prefectural assembly meeting on July 7.
The maglev line project has long been stalled by environmental concerns.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø
Mar 28, 2026
Shizuoka set to approve maglev construction
Shizuoka Prefecture¡¯s special committee has approved environmental conservation measures for a section of the planned maglev line.
People gather in front of Meitetsu Department Store in Nagoya on Feb. 28 as the store closed after a 71-year run.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø / FOCUS
Mar 20, 2026
Nagoya Station maglev redevelopment delayed again
The start of construction, previously scheduled for fiscal 2027, is now ¡°undecided.¡±
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore during an interview in Tokyo. The governor is in Japan on a four-day trade and investment mission.
BUSINESS / Economy
Apr 14, 2025
Maryland governor talks trains and trade while in Japan
Gov. Wes Moore said he believes the Northeast Maglev ¡ª which may use technology from Japan ¡ª could transform the region¡¯s economy.
Former Shizuoka Vice Gov. Shinichi Omura announces he is running for the gubernatorial election, on April 12.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø / Politics
May 9, 2024
Campaigning for Shizuoka¡¯s next governor kicks off with all eyes on maglev line
A record six candidates are running for the post after the previous governor resigned over controversial remarks.
With the resignation of Shizuoka Gov. Heita Kawakatsu, a major hurdle may have been removed in the construction of the maglev high-speed train, which is expected to connect Tokyo to Osaka in just over 60 minutes.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Apr 5, 2024
Maglev train is back on track after Shizuoka governor¡¯s derailing
Shizuoka¡¯s governor was blocking the construction of Japan¡¯s maglev bullet train. Now that he has resigned, the project can finally move at full speed.
JR Tokai President Shunsuke Niwa speaks to reporters after meeting with transport ministry officials on Friday.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø
Mar 30, 2024
JR Tokai gives up on 2027 maglev target date for opening
JR Tokai gave up the 2027 goal as the Shizuoka Prefectural Government has declined to approve tunnel drilling work due to environmental concerns.

Longform

For many people, utility poles and power lines have become such a familiar part of Japan¡¯s landscape that they often go unnoticed.
Why Japan¡¯s utility poles won¡¯t be disappearing anytime soon

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