Minister of Foreign Affairs Akabane “No change in linear opening time at this time” June 30, 13:42
Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Mr. Akabane announced that Governor Kawakatsu of the Shizuoka prefecture and President of JR Tokai President Kaneko of the Linear Chuo Shinkansen had talked with each other last week, and that the JR side would not be allowed to make preparations to rush. In a press conference on the 30th, there was no report from JR that the opening time would be delayed, and it was recognized that there is no change in the opening schedule in 2027 at this time.
JR Tokai aims to open the Linear Chuo Shinkansen in 2027, but prefectures concerned about the impact on water resources have not approved the construction of tunnels in Shizuoka prefecture.
Governor Kawakatsu and President Kaneko met on the 26th of last week, and Governor Kawakatsu stated in a press conference after the talk that the JR side would not accept the preparation work for the construction to rush.
Regarding this, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Akabane told the press conference, "JR was persuaded that the statements made by the governor were different from the statements made at the subsequent meetings, which caused confusion, and that JR was reconfirming to Shizuoka Prefecture. I'm not in a position to tell you about that exchange."
In addition, Minister Akabane said, “JR Tokai does not recognize that the opening of business will be delayed even after the talks, and the country has not reported such a thing. I understand that the opening schedule for 2027 has not changed at the moment. It is important to advance the realization of the Shinkansen at the same time and to avoid and reduce the impact on water resources and the natural environment due to construction at the same time, and the country will make necessary adjustments."