Business · Trade · 4 hrs ago
Japan studies feasibility of long-planned Shikoku bullet train routes
Japan has begun feasibility studies for proposed bullet train lines in Shikoku, a region in western Japan.
In August, the transport ministry chose routes in Shikoku and eastern Kyushu as its first cases for examining the feasibility and challenges of new lines, and invited operators to carry out the studies.
The plans cover two routes: one linking Osaka and Oita through Shikoku, and another running from Okayama to Kochi across the region.
First outlined in 1973, the routes remain at an early planning stage and have not received formal development-plan status.
All four Shikoku prefectures now support the effort, after Tokushima shifted its preference to the Okayama route backed by the other three.
A new line could improve regional connections and, as Kochi’s governor has said, help move people and supplies during disasters such as a major Nankai Trough earthquake.
The enormous construction cost remains a major obstacle, while the next step is to assess whether and how the lines could be built.
Japan’s transport ministry is examining the feasibility and challenges of proposed Shinkansen routes in Shikoku and eastern Kyushu.
The ministry selected the routes as its first case studies in August and began seeking operators to conduct the studies.
Shikoku’s four prefectural governors welcomed the move and are working to build public support.
The Shikoku proposal covers two routes: Osaka to Oita and Okayama to Kochi.
The plans date to 1973 but have not advanced to formal development plans, and construction costs remain a major obstacle.
- Who
- Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is arranging the studies. Shikoku’s four prefectural governors support moving the proposals forward.
- What
- The ministry is examining the feasibility and challenges of proposed Shinkansen routes in Shikoku and eastern Kyushu.
- When
- The ministry selected the routes in August. The proposals were included in a basic plan in 1973.
- Where
- The proposals cover Shikoku and eastern Kyushu. The Shikoku routes would connect Osaka with Oita and Okayama with Kochi.
- Why
- The studies will examine whether new Shinkansen lines can be developed and what challenges they would face.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Tokaido Shinkansen opened, beginning Japan’s Shinkansen network.
The two Shikoku routes were designated in a basic plan for possible future development.
The transport ministry selected the Shikoku and eastern Kyushu routes for feasibility case studies and began seeking study operators.
Kochi Gov. Seiji Hamada welcomed the ministry’s move at a news conference.
- Proposed Shikoku route 1
- Osaka to Oita via Tokushima Prefecture and other parts of Shikoku
- Proposed Shikoku route 2
- Okayama to Kochi via Shikoku
- Plan designation
- Included in a 1973 basic plan
- Study selection
- Shikoku and eastern Kyushu were selected in August
- Rail operator
- JR Shikoku is the only one of Japan’s six JR passenger railway operators without a Shinkansen line
What people are saying
There had been no concrete progress for more than half a century. This is finally the first step toward moving the project forward, and I am extremely pleased
This is groundbreaking and very welcome news. It would also serve as vital infrastructure for transporting personnel and supplies during disasters such as a Nankai Trough megaquake