Integrated Resort

The Wakayama Prefectural Government has acknowledged that there will be a delay in the national timeline for developing IRs, but the local government remains keen on opening Japan’s first IR, which they now envision may be possible in spring 2026.

The Yokohama Chamber of Commerce & Industry has reiterated its strong support for IR development in the city, even as Mayor Fumiko Hayashi stated that she would respect the results of a popular referendum that went against the initiative.

Angel Sueiro, chief operating officer of PH Resorts, talks with Asia Gaming Brief managing editor Sharon Singleton about the concept for the company’s next property in the highly competitive Clark Freeport Zone and opportunities post-Covid 19 in the Philippines. The mass market is paying the bills, but international visitors are needed to put the cream on top.

Ted Chan, Galaxy Entertainment’s COO for Japan, has welcomed the shift in the national IR development timeline and reiterated his firm’s intention to make a bid.

A poll conducted by the Nihon Keizai Shinbun and TV Osaka suggests that local opposition to the construction of the proposed IR at Yumeshima in Osaka may be increasing, with 52 percent opposed versus 37 percent in favor.

Both Caesars Korea and Mohegan’s Inspire Resort have suspended construction of their facilities in Incheon for months, with no word on when the building will continue. The outlook for the Caesars IR is particularly cloudy.

Yokohama Mayor Fumiko Hayashi stated for the first time that should the city be forced to hold a referendum on IR development and lose the vote, she would respect the people’s decision and withdraw the city’s candidacy.

The appointment of Yoshihide Suga as prime minister of Japan may have subtly shifted the sands when it comes to the two top contenders to host an integrated resort in their cities.

Shukan Bunshun, one of Japan’s weekly magazines that focuses on scoops and scandals, suggests in a recent article that Liberal Democratic Party Secretary-General Toshihiro Nikai may intend to personally profit from a land acquisition near the proposed site for the Wakayama IR.

National politicians of various opposition political parties joined a street rally outside Yokohama Station in an effort to encourage the city government to abandon its IR development plans.