TransportationLocal government leadership change led to rapid progress over environmental concernsJapan's maglev train project has taken a step closer to making the service a reality with a local government's approval of construction. © Central Japan Railway Company/KyodoMAYUKO KURIHARAJuly 7, 2026 13:05 JSTTOKYO -- The governor of central Japan's Shizuoka prefecture on Tuesday approved the construction of an ultra-fast maglev train line in the jurisdiction, marking a major step toward operation after more than a decade of deadlock.