Hokkaido bullet train extension delayed 8 years, rattling local communities

Transportation

Shinkansen link key to redevelopment projects on northern Japanese island

The Hokkaido Shinkansen now serves only the southern part of the island. (Photo by Masatoshi Ida)

SAPPORO, Japan — With the extension of shinkansen bullet train service to Sapporo now delayed until the end of fiscal 2038, communities along the planned link in Hokkaido are fretting over the potential blow to regional development.