Japan explores proposal for a second Seikan Tunnel

The Japanese government is considering a proposal to construct a second Seikan Tunnel to connect Hokkaido with Honshu. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has reportedly instructed the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to begin concretizing the policy.

The concept, advocated by the Japan Project Industry Council (JAPIC) and a parliamentary group, suggests building a 31-kilometer tunnel featuring dedicated lanes for autonomous vehicles and tracks for freight rail. Proponents argue the project would enhance logistics, allow the Hokkaido Shinkansen to increase speeds by moving freight to a separate line, and provide an alternative route to address the aging infrastructure of the existing Seikan Tunnel.

However, the project faces significant hurdles, including an estimated construction cost of approximately 1 trillion yen. The plan is not currently included in official national projects, and its feasibility remains uncertain.