Key Facts
• On September 9, Fukui Governor Tatsuji Sugimoto addressed a Democratic Party policy group.
• He emphasized the necessity of the Obama-Kyoto route for the Hokuriku Shinkansen extension.
• The Democratic Party’s largest group, Sanctuary, includes 35 members, such as former leader Yukio Edano.
• The meeting was held in Fukui Prefecture, initiated by local representative Hideyuki Tsuji.
• Sugimoto highlighted JR West’s operational and management policies supporting the Obama-Kyoto route.
• He urged immediate construction, citing Fukui’s 50-year role in Japan’s nuclear energy policy.
• Sanctuary Chairperson Shoichi Kondo stressed the importance of local input for national discussions.
• The policy group meeting will conclude on September 10.
Summary
Fukui Governor Tatsuji Sugimoto strongly advocated for the Obama-Kyoto route as the only viable option for the Hokuriku Shinkansen extension during a September 9 meeting of the Democratic Party’s largest policy group, Sanctuary. The group, comprising 35 members, including prominent figures like Yukio Edano, convened in Fukui Prefecture at the invitation of local representative Hideyuki Tsuji. Sugimoto underscored the route’s alignment with JR West’s operational strategies and Fukui’s longstanding contributions to Japan’s nuclear energy policy. He called for swift construction to honor the region’s role in national energy initiatives. Sanctuary Chairperson Shoichi Kondo highlighted the value of local perspectives in shaping parliamentary discussions on the Shinkansen project. The meeting will conclude on September 10.
