The Shimonoseki-Kitakyushu Road, which is being proposed as the third road crossing the Kanmon Strait to connect Honshu and Kyushu, has recently garnered serious consideration from the Japanese government. Amid significant public scrutiny related to comments made during the Abe administration about 'son-taku' (consideration), stakeholders highlight the importance of this project, which includes constructing Japan's second-longest suspension bridge. With projected costs running into the tens of billions of yen, discussions revolve around how to make decisions on whether to proceed with this ambitious infrastructure initiative.

A gathering held on November 10 in Tokyo to promote the Shimonoseki-Kitakyushu Road was highlighted by the participation of significant political figures, including former Prime Minister Taro Aso, who underscored the project’s potential impact. The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Toshio Kutsukake, expressed optimism regarding the necessary budget allocations, which has bolstered the confidence of local businesses and government officials. The event marked a notable step in the progression towards making the project a reality, with local authorities starting to secure governmental approvals for urban planning.

Historically, the Shimonoseki-Kitakyushu Road is part of the larger fifth national development plan established in 1998, categorized as one of six key 'cross-strait projects'. However, lingering concerns about increasing costs and the viability of funding have drawn criticism regarding the advanced expenditures on feasibility studies amidst economic constraints. This initiative's future balance of infrastructure investment and fiscal responsibility remains a point of debate among stakeholders, as they weigh the project’s significance against financial realities that could impede its realization.