Japan-Korea tunnel to become a reality
Hoping for the Governor to take steps to create momentum
Councilman Takahira appeals for the promotion of development at the prefectural assembly
During a general question session at the prefectural assembly in June, former Saga Prefectural Assembly member Takahira (Prefectural Democratic Party Association) pointed out the importance of building the Japan-Korea Tunnel, which would run from Karatsu City in Saga Prefecture through Iki and Tsushima to South Korea, saying, "As the China-led 'One Belt, One Road' policy progresses, Japan must also raise its position in East Asia and create a road that connects it to the world," and stressed the importance of building the tunnel, which would serve as a catalyst for connecting Japan to China and Russia via high-speed rail and roads.
The tunnel will be approximately 270 km long, with 20 km between Karatsu and Iki, 50 km between Iki and Tsushima, and 150 km undersea. The International Highway Foundation is aiming to realize this as part of the International Highway Project.
Councilman Takahira stated, "Those hearing about this for the first time might think it is unrealistic," and then reported on the progress of the project, saying that approximately 200,000 square meters of land has already been secured in Karatsu city, and the inclined shaft has been dug down to approximately 540 meters, that a 400,000 square meter site has also been secured in the Aren district of Izuhara town, Tsushima city, and a mine entrance opening ceremony was held in September 2014, and that 30,000 square meters has also been secured in Ashibe town on Iki, and a mine entrance opening ceremony is planned for the end of this year.He also mentioned that, in order to promote understanding of the project, the foundation has set up "Prefectural Councils for the Promotion of Japan-Korea Tunnels" in 32 prefectures across the country, with the expectation that this will expand to 40 prefectures by the end of the year.
He also mentioned that a prefectural citizens' council has been established in Nagasaki, and that the Tsushima City Council adopted a statement of opinion in 2011 calling for early construction, and asked Governor Nakamura whether he had any plans to actively work to create momentum for promoting construction.
In response, the governor merely said, "If construction proceeds, it will become a bilateral national project, and various issues are expected, such as the burden of huge construction costs and technical problems. The current situation is unclear in many ways and lacks concreteness. We need to carefully assess the government's actions, etc."
Takahira pointed out that the pipelines and high-voltage transmission lines that will be built alongside the tunnel will enable the international exchange of gas and electricity, which is expected to lead to the development of the energy industry, and that the markets for local industries in Nagasaki, Saga, and Fukuoka are also expected to expand dramatically, and said, "We can also expect Saga Prefecture's stance on the full standardization of the Kyushu Shinkansen to naturally change."
He also mentioned that the Kyushu Liaison Council for the Realization of a Japan-Korea Tunnel has been formed, with many members of the legislature and business community participating, and expressed his expectations of the governor, saying, "There are many hurdles to overcome, but it is important to start with a noble cause. I hope that you will take an active role as a politician in order to set a new course for the future of our prefecture."
(Nagasaki Construction Newspaper, July 4, 2017 issue)
