To maintain 2037 target for Tokyo-Osaka maglev line

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized the government's commitment to the timely completion of the magnetic levitation (maglev) train line connecting Tokyo and Osaka, despite anticipated delays in the Tokyo-Nagoya segment. In a meeting with Central Japan Railway (JR Central) President Shunsuke Niwa and governors from the eight prefectures the line traverses, Kishida reiterated the government's dedication to making the maglev line operational as soon as possible, calling for cooperation from the governors.

JR Central's stock, which had opened low, saw a partial recovery by the end of trading after news of the meeting spread. The initial plan aimed to complete the Tokyo-Nagoya section by 2027 and extend to Osaka by 2037, significantly reducing travel time between the two cities. However, JR Central announced earlier this year that it would miss the 2027 deadline due to opposition from Shizuoka Prefecture, led by former governor Heita Kawakatsu, who raised environmental concerns about a tunnel section affecting a crucial riverbed.

The meeting included Shizuoka's newly elected governor, Yasutomo Suzuki, who is supportive of the maglev project. Suzuki expressed his intention to address environmental concerns adequately while moving forward with the construction. He emphasized the importance of balancing the project's advancement with environmental conservation and committed to maintaining open communication with JR Central and other stakeholders.

In his brief tenure, Governor Suzuki has already met with JR Central's Niwa and transport minister Tetsuo Saito to ensure a cooperative approach to the project. Suzuki highlighted the need for urgency in discussions and underscored Shizuoka's understanding of balancing developmental and environmental priorities.