Hokkaido Governor Naomichi Suzuki is expected to seek another term in an election scheduled for April 2027, according to local media reports. Economic revitalization initiatives for the Japanese prefecture, including the possibility of developing an integrated resort with a casino, were cited among the reasons for his decision.
Suzuki was also governor when Hokkaido decided in 2019 not to submit an integrated resort proposal during Japan’s 1st national application round. The prefecture has expressed interest in hosting an IR but has not yet indicated whether it will participate in the next application window.
The next application period for local governments seeking to host a casino resort is scheduled to run from May 6 to November 5, 2027.
Economic Projects Remain Pending
The Hokkaido Shimbun reported that Suzuki’s administration is continuing to focus on economic revitalization initiatives. The report included a possible IR among the projects linked to the governor’s decision to seek re-election.
Another project mentioned was the proposed Hokkaido Valley industrial cluster. The initiative would focus on semiconductor manufacturing, artificial intelligence-related businesses, and supporting infrastructure.
The development is planned around Chitose City and the Ishikari region. Earlier reports said the project could be developed by 2050.
Hokkaido’s administration has also been linked to Japan’s secondary capital concept. The national initiative aims to establish backup administrative and economic functions outside Tokyo in the event of a major disaster.
Hokkaido and its main city, Sapporo, are reportedly seeking designation under the concept. Other regions mentioned in connection with the initiative include Osaka, Aichi, and Fukuoka.
The projects are part of the broader set of pending initiatives cited in reports about Suzuki’s planned re-election campaign.
Business Groups Support IR Discussion
Japan Business Federation chairman Yoshinobu Tsutsui held a press conference in Sapporo on Thursday. Local media reported that he discussed the possible economic role of a Hokkaido IR.
According to Tsutsui, an integrated resort must contribute to the local community, help enhance competitiveness internationally, and ensure a strong economic ripple effect. He also said the prefectural government should lead efforts to create business opportunities and promote international exchange.
Tsutsui separately described the Hokkaido Valley project as having the potential to support Japan’s economic security and industrial competitiveness.
Last month, 8 business organizations in Hokkaido submitted a request to Suzuki’s administration urging it to move forward with the IR concept. The request added pressure for the prefecture to clarify its position before the next national application window.
The Hokkaido administration has not said whether it will accept the business groups’ request or begin preparing an official bid.
Tomakomai Seen as Possible Site
Tomakomai has been reported as the leading location if Hokkaido decides to submit an IR proposal. New Chitose Airport, the major airport for Sapporo, is situated close to Chitose City and the proposed industrial cluster.
The airport is located some 52 km from Sapporo to the south and approximately 30 km from Tomakomai to the north. Its location could be relevant to discussions about access to a potential resort and the planned Hokkaido Valley development.
Osaka is currently the only Japanese metropolis developing a casino resort. MGM Osaka, being developed by MGM Resorts International with local partners including Orix Corp., is scheduled to open at the end of 2030.
The project has a cost of JPY1.51 trillion, or around US$9.55 billion. Aichi completed its request-for-proposal process for possible commercial partners this month, while Ōtō town in Fukuoka has also expressed interest in hosting an IR.
Source: GGR Asia
AloJapan.com