{
  "id": 27912,
  "title": "Can Japan’s Maglev Line Project Stay on Track for 2036?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/07/29/can-japans-maglev-line-project-stay-on-track-for-2036",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-07-29T21:00:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Nippon.com",
    "slug": "nippon-com",
    "url": "https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-data/h02838/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Japan's Linear Chūō Shinkansen project aims to create a high-speed maglev railway line connecting Tokyo and Osaka, with trains capable of reaching speeds up to 505 kilometers per hour. To achieve these speeds, the trains will be levitated above the track using magnetic force, significantly reducing travel times compared to the current Tōkaidō Shinkansen. In 2011, the government decided to develop an alternative route due to aging infrastructure, limit on train frequency, and passenger volume on the Tōkaidō Shinkansen. Originally, the Shinagawa-Nagoya section was set to begin operating in 2027 and the whole line to Osaka in 2036. However, opposition from Shizuoka Prefecture led to major delays. After the resignation of Shizuoka Governor Kawakatsu in May 2024, negotiations between JR Central and the prefecture resumed, leading to approval for construction to begin in July 2026. Despite this, construction on the Shizuoka section is expected to take over a decade, meaning the earliest possible opening is in 2036. However, delays along other sections of the line may further push back the start date.",
  "summary": "Japan’s first maglev line was originally planned to open between Tokyo and Nagoya in 2027, but local opposition in Shizuoka led to significant delays. Now construction has restarted, but the earliest the line is expected to open is 2036.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}