Key Facts
• June 6: Kyoto City Council opposed the ‘deep underground tunnel route.’
• Mayor Koji Matsui stated achieving national policy goals is ‘tough.’
• Opposition resolution passed with 36 votes in favor, 30 against.
• Alternative resolution seeking detailed government explanation passed 34-32.
• Proposals submitted by Japan Innovation Party, Democratic Party for the People, and Communist Party.
Summary
Kyoto City Council has formally opposed the proposed ‘deep underground tunnel route’ for the Hokuriku Shinkansen extension between Tsuruga and Osaka. Mayor Koji Matsui acknowledged the difficulty of addressing concerns while achieving national policy goals. The opposition resolution, backed by a coalition including the Japan Innovation Party and the Democratic Party for the People, passed with 36 votes in favor and 30 against. Meanwhile, an alternative resolution requesting detailed government explanations, without explicitly opposing the current route, also passed narrowly with 34 votes in favor and 32 against. The debate highlights the challenges in balancing local concerns with national infrastructure projects.
