A bill is being debated in the National Assembly to improve transportation for residents of this region who have living areas spread across cities and rural areas. The high cost of transportation between the two areas has become a major challenge, especially the high highway tolls that must be paid when traveling by vehicle. The tolls are very high even by international standards. The deadline for free highways has been postponed until 2115, and arguments are being made that a low fixed-price system could lead to the revitalization of rural areas, rather than free highways.

Japan's highway tolls are calculated by adding 24.6 yen per kilometer (for ordinary vehicles) to a base fee of 150 yen. This rate is quite high compared to other countries. In developed countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States, highways are generally free of charge, and even in countries that charge tolls, Japan is among the most expensive. France charges 15.6 yen, Spain charges 13.4 yen, and Italy charges 8.7 yen for flatland and 10.3 yen for mountainous areas.

The reason why Japan's highway tolls are so expensive is the high cost of construction and maintenance. Due to Japan's geographical characteristics, which require strong earthquake resistance, the construction of earthquake-resistant structures incurs significant costs. Construction costs are covered by loans from financial institutions and repaid with toll revenue, increasing the burden on users. Continuous costs are also incurred for the maintenance of aging facilities, leading to the extension of the toll collection period to 2115 for another 50 years last year.

In response, former Toyota Motor Vice President Kanji Kurioka (87) and former Gifu Prefecture official and management consultant Chujie Kondo (66) proposed the introduction of a flat-rate system. In Switzerland, a flat-rate system is in operation that allows unlimited use of highways for 6,800 yen (40 Swiss francs) per year.

Meanwhile, there is a trend toward the introduction of highway tolls and toll increases in other countries as well. Due to the widening budget deficit and aging infrastructure, the burden of maintenance costs is increasing, leading some countries, such as Switzerland and Austria, to recently introduce toll systems. However, toll levels are still lower than in Japan.

Amidst this trend, Japan is also considering easing measures such as toll reductions. The government's deliberative body is discussing toll reductions rather than free highways. However, there are numerous challenges to be addressed, such as securing tax revenue and establishing a facility management system.