Fukui's Economic Hopes Pinned on Hokuriku Shinkansen Extension

FUKUI, Mar 18 (News On Japan) - The Hokuriku Shinkansen's Kanazawa-Tsuruga section, which opened on March 16, connects all three Hokuriku prefectures by bullet train for the first time in over half a century since the project's conception.

Fukui Prefecture eagerly anticipates the economic spillover effect that was once dubbed "Kanazawa's solo victory" when the Tokyo-Kanazawa section opened. However, there are concerns about the "cost-effectiveness" of the further extension plan from Tsuruga to Osaka.

From Tokyo to Tsuruga in just over 3 hours...

The new section stops at Kaga Onsen in Ishikawa Prefecture, Awara Onsen, and Fukui in Fukui Prefecture. The journey from Tokyo to Tsuruga is now possible without transfers, reducing travel time by approximately 50 minutes. This long-awaited opening is a significant milestone for Fukui Prefecture, which had no bullet train service until now.

Fukui: A Crossroads of History and Culture

Fukui Prefecture is known for its stunning cliffs at Tojinbo, Echizen crab, and the Soto Zen Buddhism head temple, Eiheiji. It was also selected as one of the "12 Off-the-Beaten-Path Spots to Visit in the World This Year" by The Washington Post. The Wakasa Bay area in Fukui flourished as a hub for transporting marine products from the bay to Kyoto during the Sengoku period. The most common marine product was mackerel, hence the name "Mackerel Highway." Fukui, once a cultural crossroads with Kyoto, is now part of the plan to extend the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tsuruga through Kyoto to Shin-Osaka.

A Potential "Catalyst" for the Regional Economy

Fukui, once hailed as the gateway to the Sea of Japan, has been experiencing a population decline since its peak of 830,000 in 1999. The opening of the Tokyo-Kanazawa section of the Hokuriku Shinkansen in 2015 saw a 20% increase in tourists to Kanazawa. With direct access to the capital region, an economic boost of approximately 30.9 billion yen annually is expected.

The Cost-Effectiveness of the Extension Plan

The construction cost for extending the line from Tsuruga to Shin-Osaka is estimated at 2.1 trillion yen. The national government will cover two-thirds of the cost, excluding loans to JR, while local governments will bear one-third. The cost-effectiveness ratio, which is the total benefits divided by the total costs, is considered profitable if it exceeds 1.0. However, the value for the Tsuruga-Shin-Osaka section was barely profitable at 1.05 eight years ago. Aomori University's Professor Sumio Kushibiki (regional studies) points out, "The cost-effectiveness ratio may worsen from the initial forecast considering the recent surge in material and labor costs."

Will Japan's Main Transportation Axis Change?

While there are opinions that the extension is necessary as a detour route in case of major disasters, the Tokyo-Osaka corridor already includes the existing Tokaido Shinkansen and the upcoming Linear Chuo Shinkansen, slated for completion in 2046. The question arises: what kind of infrastructure development is truly necessary for Japan, which faces population decline?

Source: TBS

Japan Troops Begin Bear Countermeasures

The worsening string of bear incidents across Akita Prefecture has prompted the deployment of the Ground Self-Defense Force to assist in countermeasures. On November 5th, fifteen members of the 21st Infantry Regiment based at the Akita garrison were sent to Kazuno City, where they began support activities such as transporting box traps for capturing bears.

Kamiya Faces Takaichi in First Diet Debate Over Foreign Worker Policy

In the House of Councillors on November 6th, Prime Minister Takaichi faced her first major challenge from Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya, who took the podium for the first time to question the government’s stance on accepting foreign workers. Both share conservative leanings, and Kamiya had been approached by Takaichi for cooperation during the prime ministerial election, but the session quickly turned into a pointed exchange over immigration and national priorities.

Typhoon No. 26 Forming, May Impact Japan

As of 3 p.m. on November 5th, a tropical depression over the sea near the Caroline Islands was slowly moving northward, with the Japan Meteorological Agency forecasting that it would develop into a typhoon within the next 24 hours. Once it forms, it will be designated as Typhoon No. 26.

Morning-After Pill to Be Sold Over the Counter by Year-End

Emergency contraceptive pills, used to prevent unintended pregnancies, are set to become available over the counter in Japan as early as by the end of this fiscal year, marking a major shift after nearly a decade of debate.

Crimes by U.S. Military Personnel Hit Record High in Okinawa

The number of U.S. military personnel arrested for criminal offenses in Okinawa has reached 77 so far this year, already surpassing the record total for all of 2024 as of the end of September.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

Gasoline to Become Cheaper in Japan with Tax Abolition

Gasoline prices rose for the first time in four weeks to 173.60 yen per liter as of 2 p.m. on November 6th, up just 0.10 yen from the previous week. However, with the government’s decision on November 5th to abolish the provisional gasoline tax by the end of the year, prices are expected to fall in stages before the abolition takes full effect.

Nissan to Sell Yokohama Headquarters for 97 Billion Yen

Nissan Motor announced on November 6th that it will sell its Yokohama headquarters building for 97 billion yen as part of a broader restructuring plan, while continuing to occupy the property under a lease agreement.

Investors Sue Real Estate Fund for Massive Payout Delays

Around 1,200 investors have filed a class-action lawsuit with the Osaka District Court seeking the return of more than 11.4 billion yen from the real estate fund “Minna de Ooya-san,” which has been delaying distribution payments to its investors.

Japan's Real Wages Fall 1.4% in September, Marking Ninth Straight Month of Decline

Real wages in Japan fell 1.4% in September from a year earlier, marking the ninth consecutive month of decline, as rising prices continued to outpace wage increases, according to data released by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

What Is Sanaenomics?

The economic policy bannered by Prime Minister Takaichi as “Sanaenomics” is beginning to take shape, with expectations centering on lower gasoline prices and the restart of electricity and gas subsidies even as critics say the program’s substance remains unclear and insufficiently developed.

Space Business Growth Expected to Accelerate Under Takaichi

Japan’s space industry is gaining new momentum under Prime Minister Takaichi’s vision of building a “strong economy,” with the sector identified as a key target for strategic investment alongside AI and energy security.

Nintendo Forecasts Record 2 Trillion Yen in Sales, Raises Switch 2 Outlook

Nintendo has raised its forecast for the upcoming fiscal year ending in March 2026, projecting revenue to exceed 2 trillion yen for the first time.

Nutria Infestation Expands Across Western Japan, Farmers Ravaged

Farmers across western Japan are facing mounting losses from the growing population of nutria, large semi-aquatic rodents originally brought from South America. Once imported for their fur, the animals have become a major agricultural pest, chewing through crops and spreading rapidly into urban areas.

< 2 3 4 5 >