Tomakomai confirms interest in hosting an integrated resort

The city on Hokkaido intends to respond positively to a survey.

Japan.- The northern city of Tomakomai has affirmed its intention to express interest in bidding to host an integrated resort (IR) with a casino amid the anticipated reopening of the national licensing process. Mayor Suguru Kanazawa confirmed that the city on Hokkaido would respond positively to a survey gauging interest from the island’s 179 municipalities. The city had been a potential candidate in 2019 before the prefecture opted out of the first application round due to environmental concerns.

Tomakomai officials highlight the city’s proximity to New Chitose Airport, its port infrastructure, and access to Hokkaido’s winter sports and ecotourism. Business groups, including the Hokkaido Economic Federation, have also voiced support, seeing an IR as a chance to raise the region’s profile and attract new investment.

Japan legalised integrated resorts in 2018 but has so far approved only MGM Osaka, a JPY1.27tn (US$8.9bn) project slated to open in 2030. Nagasaki’s project stalled, but it’s believed that central government could reopen the application window as early as 2026. Analysts suggest Tomakomai could differentiate itself from Osaka’s urban model by blending casino gaming with Hokkaido’s natural and cultural attractions.

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See also: Hokkaido launches survey on casino plans

The city on Hokkaido intends to respond positively to a survey. Japan.- The northern city of Tomakomai has affirmed its intention to express interest in bidding to host an integrated…