Japan’s Hokkaido prefecture has launched a fresh survey of all 179 municipalities on the issue of hosting an integrated resort (IR) with a casino.
The exercise, reported by local media on 23 August, is the first of its kind since 2019, when Hokkaido chose not to participate during Japan’s initial round of IR bidding. At the time, Tomakomai – an industrial port city was earmarked as the priority location, with Kushiro city and Rusutsu village also in contention. But concerns over environmental and social impact led to Hokkaido withdrawing its candidacy.
Despite that decision, the idea of casino-led development has not disappeared. Business groups have repeatedly revisited the topic. Even in February this year, a senior Tomakomai official reaffirmed the city’s interest, pledging to continue preparatory work if any new opportunities arise.
National momentum for new bids
Japan’s IR framework, established under a 2018 law, permits the development of up to three large-scale integrated resorts (IRs). These resorts are intended to be more than gambling venues, combining casinos with hotels, convention halls, exhibition centres, and cultural facilities. The government argues that such developments will boost tourism, create jobs, and drive regional economic growth.
So far, only one IR project has been approved nationwide, the JPY 1.27 trillion MGM Osaka, backed by MGM Resorts and Orix. Located on Yumeshima Island, it is expected to open in 2030.
Officials have suggested that a new round of applications is “not far off”, raising expectations among regions keen to secure one of the remaining two licences. According to Japanese media outlet Bungeishunju, prefectures such as Hokkaido, Tokyo, Aichi, and Nagasaki have expressed interest. Kanagawa has also entered the frame, with Yokosuka city emerging as a potential candidate.
Yokosuka strengthens its case
Meanwhile, Yokosuka, 50 km south of Tokyo, has also entered the race as a potential IR site, alongside MGM Osaka. Located in Kanagawa, Yokosuka hosts a major US naval base and benefits from proximity to Tokyo and existing infrastructure, making it a strong contender.
According to observers, Yokosuka’s bid may be strengthened by these qualities, which offer synergies in business, tourism, and research. Yokosuka is positioned as a multipurpose hub with space for conventions, exhibitions, and cultural attractions in addition to casino facilities, according to some analysts, making it a more desirable location than Yumeshima in Osaka.
Renewed urgency after delays
Momentum around IR development has returned after several years of setbacks caused by economic uncertainty, regulatory fine-tuning, and the COVID-19 pandemic. With MGM Osaka under construction and central authorities preparing to reopen the licencing process, developers and policymakers appear determined to move the sector forward.
No official timelines have been announced beyond Osaka’s 2030 debut, but industry analysts say the current pace suggests a serious commitment to bringing additional resorts online sooner rather than later.
For Hokkaido, the results of its new survey could be decisive. If the prefecture re-enters the race, it may find itself competing directly with other ambitious regions such as Yokosuka, as Japan edges closer to awarding its next round of casino resort licences.
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AloJapan.com