A hot debate still continues over the shinkansen train station in Ritto. It is the hottest topic in the Shiga community in mixi, still continuing for almost a year. There seems to be many more people opposed to the shinkansen station than supporting it.

The Shiga government did not allow Shiga citizens to vote yes or no, probably because they were afraid that they would lose. Well, the gubernatorial election in July proved that most people are opposed to it. But there are still people pushing for the station. The construction industry is very powerful in Japan. But I hope people power will be more powerful.

Here’s a good summary in English about this debate:
http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200610030091.html