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[JP] JR Central President Niwa: Maglev Opening Date to Be Announced Within This Year
Source: Chunichi Shimbun
Original title:
リニア開業時期「年内に示す」　愛知のリニア建設促進会合でJR東海社長
Date: July 27, 2026, 21:17 (updated 21:44)
Original language: Japanese
Web link: https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/1287508
Accessed: July 27, 2026

JR Central President Shunsuke Niwa stated on July 27 at the Aichi Prefecture Chuo Shinkansen Construction Promotion Alliance general meeting that he aims to announce the opening date outlook within this year.

Approximately 300 officials attended. Niwa explained the delay: “[Translated quote] We need to consider the excavation results from Yamanashi and Nagano sections and environmental conservation measures, which will take considerable time.” JR Central and Shizuoka Prefecture concluded the necessary agreement for the Shizuoka section—previously the only unstarted stretch—this month.

The meeting adopted a resolution urging early start of Shizuoka construction and early opening date presentation. Aichi Governor Hideaki Omura chaired the event.

[JP] Aichi Alliance Pushes for Early Maglev Opening as Construction Progresses
Source: go2senkyo.com
Original title:
【リニア中央新幹線の早期開業へ】本日、「2026年度リニア中央新幹線建設促進愛知県期成同盟会総会」に出席しました。
Date: July 27, 2026
Original language: Japanese
Web link: https://go2senkyo.com/seijika/170348/posts/1451147
Accessed: July 27, 2026

On July 27, the Chuo Shinkansen Construction Promotion Aichi Prefecture Alliance held its general meeting, chaired by Governor Hideaki Omura. JR Central President Shunsuke Niwa explained the construction status, stating the opening date remains under careful examination.
Construction progresses steadily: Nagoya Station’s “Super Terminal” works advance, with tunnel main excavation underway in the Sakashita-Nishi section (since June 2025) and Meijo section (since January 2026). The meeting approved a resolution seeking early Tokyo–Nagoya development, construction safety and environmental conservation, thorough regional explanations, local business utilization, Nagoya Station convenience improvements, and transportation network enhancement.
The Chuo Shinkansen connects Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, boosting Japan’s economic power and disaster resilience through Tokaido Shinkansen duplication as a national project. With safety, environmental conservation, and regional coordination as prerequisites, the alliance aims for early opening and broad economic benefits across Aichi Prefecture and the Owari-Ichinomiya region.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to steady progress through united stakeholder efforts.

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[JP] Aichi Alliance Pushes for Early Maglev Opening as Construction Progresses
Source: go2senkyo.com
Original title:
【リニア中央新幹線の早期開業へ】本日、「2026年度リニア中央新幹線建設促進愛知県期成同盟会総会」に出席しました。
Date: July 27, 2026
Original language: Japanese
Web link: https://go2senkyo.com/seijika/170348/posts/1451147
Accessed: July 27, 2026

[JP] JR Central President Niwa: Cannot Estimate Osaka Maglev Extension Construction Period Yet
Source: ITmedia Business
Original title:
「リニア大阪延伸」工期は？　JR東海社長が説明
Author: Keiko Tamura
Date: August 6, 2026
Original language: Japanese
Web link: https://www.itmedia.co.jp/business/arti ... ws055.html
Accessed: August 7, 2026

At an August 6 press conference in Osaka, JR Central President Shunsuke Niwa stated the Nagoya–Osaka maglev extension’s construction period cannot be estimated yet, as environmental impact assessments, station locations, and routes remain undecided. However, Shin-Osaka Station is a strong candidate for the Osaka terminal due to Sanyo Shinkansen transfer convenience.

Niwa reaffirmed the policy of starting Osaka construction promptly after the Nagoya opening, as the project is privately financed by JR Central under sound management and stable dividend premises.

Shizuoka Governor approved construction for the Shizuoka section, with the Natural Environment Conservation Agreement signed on July 18. Niwa stated: “[Translated quote] We will proceed with preparations so that we can start construction as soon as possible,” and pledged steady environmental measures and monitoring, with results reported to Shizuoka Prefecture and others.
Local explanation meetings will be held, with excavation following equipment installation. The Shizuoka section construction start date remains undecided but is expected within this year if smooth. Niwa met Transport Minister Kaneko on July 24, intending to present the Shinagawa–Nagoya opening outlook within this year.

The Shizuoka section faces strong rock pressure and sudden gushing water risks, with completion estimated at ~10 years. Even with a 2026 start, Shinagawa–Nagoya opening is expected after 2036.

Niwa emphasized the maglev’s significance: “[Translated quote] It contributes to preparation for large-scale disasters such as future aging deterioration of the Tokaido Shinkansen and the Nankai Trough megathrust earthquake, and reduction of management risks. Integrating Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka’s three major metropolitan areas at higher speeds is extremely important for economic revitalization.”

[JP] JR Central to Announce Shinagawa-Nagoya Maglev Opening Date Within 2026

Source: NHK News Web
Original title:
ＪＲ東海 リニア開業時期年内に示す意向 長野県知事に伝える
Date: August 24, 2026, 17:52
Original language: Japanese
Web link: https://news.web.nhk/newsweb/na/nb-1010039255
Accessed: August 25, 2026

At an August 24 general meeting in Iida City, JR Central Vice President Takayoshi Mizuno told Nagano Governor Shouichi Abe and ~110 attendees that the company intends to announce the Shinagawa–Nagoya maglev section’s opening date within 2026.

The council, promoting early development, also noted expected delays in southern Nagano’s tunnel and bridge work. They resolved to request JR Central prioritize early opening, coordinate with regions on construction impacts, and advance local development without waiting for the line’s debut. A written request was handed to Mizuno.

Governor Abe stated: “[Translated quote] For regional development, this is the real test from now on, so let’s unite to maximize the maglev’s effects.”