The mayor in Hakodate (pictured), part of Hokkaido prefecture, reaffirmed on Monday that his city, on the southwest coast of Japan’s most northerly main island, was not currently in a position to put itself forward as a candidate to host an integrated resort (IR) with casino.
Jun Oizumi said at a regular press briefing: “”There has been hardly any in-depth discussion among citizens or the city council at this point. Hakodate city is nowhere near the stage of trying to have an IR.”
He added: “We will closely monitor the development of the Osaka IR. Unless the benefits for regional economic revitalisation become clear, we will not lean toward promoting an IR.”
That is according to information reviewed by GGRAsia’s Japan correspondent.
Hokkaido prefecture itself is still mulling whether to pursue an IR bid. The city of Tomakomai, on Hokkaido’s south central coast, currently seems the most enthusiastic about offering itself as a location.
Hokkaido is sending this quarter a questionnaire to all 179 municipalities in the prefecture, as well to selected casino operators and financial institutions, regarding a casino resort development.
The next IR application window set by the national government – open to prefectures and so-called ordinance-level cities – runs from May 6, 2027 to November 5, 2027.
The JPY1.51-trillion (US$9.22-billion currently) MGM Osaka is the only Japanese IR so far approved. It is due to open in 2030.
