ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
Politics

Maglev bid-rigging probe widens to Shimizu and Taisei: Sources

Executives questioned as investigators look beyond Obayashi allegations

Services of the maglev trains between Tokyo and Nagoya are slated to begin in 2027.

TOKYO -- Investigators looking into bid-rigging on projects related to Japan's next-generation bullet train line have questioned former executives of contractors Taisei and Shimizu, sources close to the probe said on Wednesday. 

Obayashi, another contractor, has been a focus of the investigation, due to suspicions that it cheated to win the contract for an emergency exit on the planned maglev line, the Linear Chuo Shinkansen. Executives of Kajima -- Obayashi's sole rival in the last round of bidding for the project -- have also been questioned. But the authorities' move to interview former officials of other companies suggests there may have been foul play in earlier bidding processes.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Discover the all new Nikkei Asia app

  • Take your reading anywhere with offline reading functions
  • Never miss a story with breaking news alerts
  • Customize your reading experience

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more