The two frontrunners to host a casino in Hokkaido

Tomakomai and Kushiro remain interested.

Japan.- As we already reported, Hokkaido is again interested in hosting a casino resort if Japan’s central government opens a new bidding round. There are two main possible locations.

Tomakomai, a port city south of New Chitose Airport, has reaffirmed its ambition to pursue an IR licence. Mayor Suguru Kanazawa stressed the city’s infrastructure advantages and proximity to international transport, arguing that a resort could boost inbound tourism and private investment. Tomakomai previously advanced a proposal backed by Hard Rock International in 2019, but the bid was abandoned amid environmental concerns.

Kushiro, in eastern Hokkaido, has also expressed interest. Mayor Hidenori Tsuruma has highlighted the potential of Lake Akan and pointed to international examples of Indigenous involvement in gaming ventures, suggesting that local Ainu communities could be included in the project.

Hakodate appears to be out. Mayor Jun Oizumi has stated that it is “in no position” to pursue a casino bid at this stage.

The renewed discussions come as Japan’s first IR project, the US$8.9bn MGM Osaka, advances toward its planned 2030 opening. The central government originally envisioned up to three IR sites, but only Osaka was approved in the initial round of applications. Any Hokkaido proposal would require municipal approval, endorsement by the governor and central government approval, but no new application window has been announced so far.

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See also: Hakodate rules out bidding to host Hokkaido casino resort

Tomakomai and Kushiro remain interested. Japan.- As we already reported, Hokkaido is again interested in hosting a casino resort if Japan’s central government opens a new bidding round. There are…