In the recent elections held on October 8, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) secured two-thirds of the seats in the House of Representatives, significantly impacting various policy discussions, including the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen line. Previously, the government had started to consider revisions to the proposed routes starting in December 2025, incorporating suggestions from its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party (Nippon Ishin no Kai). However, with the LDP now holding a dominant position, it appears likely that policymaking could proceed without the need for consensus with Nippon Ishin, which will lose relative influence as a result of these electoral changes.

One member of Nippon Ishin expressed concern that their ability to influence discussions regarding Shinkansen planning would diminish following the election results. The political landscape has shifted, and the LDP is set to revisit not only the favored 'Obama-Kyoto route' but also alternative options, including an 'Maibara route' connecting to the Tōkaidō Shinkansen line at Maibara in Shiga Prefecture. This move towards reassessing multiple proposals seems to align with LDP's new political leverage garnered from the recent election victory.

Discussions around the extension were initially scheduled to become more substantial beginning in January, following an agreement to reconsider up to eight different routes for the Shinkansen. However, due to the dissolution of the House of Representatives and the consequent snap elections led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, these deliberations were postponed. The recent electoral outcome is poised to significantly alter the dynamics of these discussions, potentially leading to a more unilateral approach by the LDP in shaping transport infrastructure policy moving forward.