Aichi prefecture is resuming efforts to join Japan’s next round of applications to host an integrated resort (IR) featuring a casino, according to several local media reports on Thursday, citing the prefectural authorities’ announcement.
The proposed site is said to be located on reclaimed land currently used by Chubu Centrair International Airport, a major air hub in central Japan.
They added that the prefectural government plans to launch a request for information (RFI) to gauge interest from potential developers. A decision on whether to proceed with a formal bid would be made after reviewing the results of that survey, according to the reports.
Japan’s national government made public in December a draft Cabinet order setting out the likely date of the next application round for communities that wish to host a casino resort. That application window has been set as May 6, 2027 to November 5 that year.
Up to three IRs were contemplated under Japan’s initial liberalisation process, as set out by its 2018 law known as the Integrated Resort Act. So far, only Osaka has secured approval and is moving forward with a project, MGM Osaka, which is expected to open in 2030.
During the first application round, Aichi authorities considered submitting a proposal but ultimately gave up in 2022. At the time, the governor, Hideaki Omura, said the decision was due to disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mr Omura is currently serving his fourth term as governor of Aichi prefecture.
(Updated 8.26 am, Feb 13)
