OSAKA - A fierce debate has erupted in western Japan over plans to extend the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tsuruga in Fukui Prefecture to Shin-Osaka, as competing route proposals, political rivalries, and local opposition have thrown the decades-long project back into uncertainty.
The Hokuriku Shinkansen currently runs from Tokyo through Kanazawa and is planned to eventually reach Shin-Osaka, with the extension from Tsuruga forming a crucial segment of that vision. The original plan dates back to 1973 under the administration of Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka, who argued that improved transportation infrastructure was essential to raising national income.
After roughly 40 years of debate, a route running from Obama in Fukui Prefecture through Kyoto—the so-called Obama–Kyoto route—was selected in 2016, largely due to its expected convenience and connectivity. However, the issue has recently been reopened, with the ruling coalition’s project committee, formed by the Liberal Democratic Party and Nippon Ishin no Kai, agreeing to review eight possible route options.
Among the alternatives under consideration are routes linking the line with the Tokaido Shinkansen at Maibara Station and routes running along the western side of Lake Biwa. The committee hopes to narrow the options to a single route during the current Diet session before July.
The renewed debate was triggered partly by growing opposition within Kyoto, particularly from the Kyoto Buddhist Association. Buddhist monks have staged protests carrying banners declaring the project a "millennium mistake," warning that the Obama–Kyoto route, which would run through tunnels beneath Kyoto city, could damage underground water systems vital to the region.
More than 39,000 signatures opposing the project have already been collected, with organizers planning to submit the petition to the national government. Opponents argue that altering underground water flows could have serious consequences for Kyoto’s cultural heritage and industries that rely on natural water sources.
"If we stay silent now, the impact could reach our grandchildren 50 years from now," one monk said, stressing the importance of protecting Kyoto’s environment and traditions.
Rising construction costs have further complicated the issue. Inflation and other factors have pushed estimated expenses far beyond initial projections, with the total potentially reaching as much as 5.3 trillion yen.
Political developments have also reignited the debate. In last year’s House of Councillors election in Kyoto, a candidate from Nippon Ishin no Kai who campaigned on reconsidering the Obama–Kyoto route won the top spot, defeating Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Shoji Nishida, a strong supporter of the route.
Nishida maintains that the Obama–Kyoto route remains the most effective option, arguing that a direct line linking the Sea of Japan side with Kyoto would ensure a complete and efficient network. He also suggested that persistent opposition in Kyoto has contributed significantly to delays in the project.
Others in the ruling coalition, however, insist that limiting discussion to a single route would ignore the will of voters and the need for a fair evaluation of alternatives.
While politicians debate, several municipalities have renewed efforts to attract the route to their regions. Kameoka City, located next to Kyoto, has revived its long-standing proposal for a route passing through the area. City officials argue that the Kameoka route could shorten the distance, reduce construction costs, and allow the project to proceed more quickly.
Mayor Katsunori Taniguchi said the city plans to reinstall promotional signage supporting the route, adding, "We believe the Kameoka route is the number one option."
Further north, Maizuru City on the Sea of Japan coast has also stepped up its campaign. Two of the proposed routes would pass through the city, and local leaders see the project as an opportunity to strengthen regional infrastructure.
Maizuru hosts the only Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force base on the Sea of Japan side and also houses a regional coast guard headquarters. City officials argue that a Shinkansen connection would improve transportation capacity during disasters or emergencies, including a potential Nankai Trough earthquake.
As competition between regions intensifies, the debate has grown increasingly heated, raising questions about whether the long-delayed project can finally move forward.
Journalist Koji Hara, who has been closely following the issue, said the Obama–Kyoto route still deserves serious consideration because of its relatively direct alignment and potential to control construction costs.
However, Hara also stressed that political and regional interests have played a significant role in prolonging the dispute.
"There are likely many interests involved," he said. "But regardless of that, the most important thing is to decide quickly, build it quickly, and make effective use of it."
More than half a century after the project was first proposed, the Hokuriku Shinkansen extension to Osaka remains unresolved, leaving many to wonder whether the line will ever reach its intended destination.
Source: KTV NEWS
