Japan’s national government has confirmed that development of the MGM Osaka integrated resort (IR) with a casino is continuing, with both the project developer and Osaka authorities meeting regulatory requirements.
According to a document from the Japan Tourism Agency, a body under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, “The IR developer (MGM Osaka Corp) and the Osaka government have been working on the project vigorously.” The statement added that “all the aspects… have been meeting the requirement criteria.”
MGM Osaka, located on Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka Bay, is being developed by MGM Osaka Corp, a joint venture between United States-based MGM Resorts International, Japan’s Orix Corp, and several minority domestic investors.
The JPY 1.27 trillion (US$8.63 billion) project is scheduled for completion by summer 2030. According to government documentation, “the IR developer has almost completed the detailed design of the IR construction according to the plan.”
Under Japan’s IR Act, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism conducts annual evaluations of IR district development plans to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards. MGM Osaka is currently the only fully approved and under-construction IR in the country.
Next licensing round in Yokosuka
Japan is reportedly preparing for a new round of IR licensing, with Yokosuka in Kanagawa prefecture emerging as a potential site. Located approximately 50 kilometers south of Tokyo, Yokosuka hosts one of the world’s largest US naval bases and offers proximity to existing infrastructure, positioning it as a candidate for a future integrated resort.
In June, a Japanese government official said the opening of a new round of IR applications was “not far off.” Other regions, including Hokkaido and Yokohama, have also expressed interest in hosting IRs.
Japan’s integrated resorts are designed to combine casino facilities with convention, exhibition, and recreational amenities, aiming to attract both domestic and international visitors. Observers note that cities like Yokosuka, which hosts research-intensive and technology sectors such as the Yokosuka Research Park, could complement the multi-functional role of future IRs in tourism, business, and recreation.
The renewed IR activity follows delays caused by economic uncertainties, regulatory adjustments, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The combination of ongoing progress at MGM Osaka and preparations for the next licensing round indicates continued efforts by both developers and government authorities to launch Japan’s IR sector.
AloJapan.com