The Japanese city of Tomakomai, situated on the central south coast of Hokkaido prefecture, has officially expressed its interest in taking part in the next round of national applications to host an integrated resort with a casino. It claims this is supported by several neighboring communities, a progress that further introduces Tomakomai as an up-and-coming candidate for IR development in Hokkaido.
Backing Tomakomai’s Bid
According to a report in Saturday’s Yomiuri Shimbun, based on an information-disclosure request filed to the Hokkaido prefectural government, the IR candidacy of Tomakomai has the backing of several neighboring municipalities. One of them is Chitose city, inland to the north and about 30 minutes from Tomakomai by car. Chitose favors the idea that any Hokkaido IR would best be sited in the vicinity of the New Chitose Airport, the largest airport on the island and an important transportation node for Tomakomai, and also for the greater Sapporo metropolitan area.
Kushiro city, part of Hokkaido’s central east coast and was once a potential IR location back in 2018, has backed Tomakomai’s plans. Kushiro’s endorsement is rooted in its assessment that Tomakomai’s development framework is the most promising within the prefecture. The city intends to partner in marketing efforts to channel visitors from the prospective IR to Kushiro, which is renowned for its bird watching opportunities across Japan’s largest marshlands, as well as museums and seafood specialties.
Another network of support in this area is the nearby Shiraoi town with its lakes, hot springs, and museum celebrating the indigenous Ainu culture.
Tomakomai’s Appeal and Regional Context
Tomakomai’s municipal authorities have cited several compelling reasons for putting forward the IR bid. The city prides itself as a transport hub, complete with a major port and a host of budding industries related to semiconductor production. Local leaders see it as a catalyst to further drive economic growth at the local level and develop its industrial sectors.
In contrast, the southern Hokkaido city of Hakodate has taken a more cautious approach. Although its response to a recent prefectural survey indicated initial interest, its mayor was reported in September to be currently not in a position to actively pursue an IR bid. Hakodate’s connectivity advantage lies in its direct high-speed rail link via an undersea tunnel to Japan’s main island, Honshu.
Policy Developments and Forward Movement
Historically, the Hokkaido prefectural government contemplated entering the IR bidding process but refrained from applying during the initial national round after Governor Naomichi Suzuki announced in November 2019 that the prefecture would not participate at that time. However, with a renewed push expected, Hokkaido’s prefectural assembly is scheduled this November to review a revised version of its public policy stance on integrated resorts, updating the original 2019 position.
At the national level, Japan’s recent appointment of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi—who has publicly supported IR development—has energized discussions about a new round of applications for local governments aspiring to host casino resorts.
The only community approved in the first round that concluded in December 2023 was the Osaka prefecture and city, located on Honshu’s southern central coast. Its MGM Osaka IR, a joint venture between MGM Resorts International and Japan’s Orix Corp, is slated to open by the end of 2030. This project has progressed with a groundbreaking for the development which began in April of 2025 and the estimated total investment has increased to about JPY1.51 trillion, or US$10 billion. With its neighbors’ support, Tomakomai’s aim to host Hokkaido’s IR bid solidifies its leading position into the next phase of Japan’s growing IR scene and shows the fresh momentum within the northern island prefecture. The prefectural assembly deliberations, and the national policy environment, are expected to be critical determinants of this trajectory.
Source: GGR Asia
AloJapan.com