Draft paper to be presented for potential Hokkaido IR
A draft position paper will outline a possible vision for an integrated resort.
Japan.- It’s expected that a draft position paper on a possible proposal for an integrated resort in Hokkaido will be presented to the prefectural assembly next week. According to reports, the document will outline the prefecture’s “basic stance” toward an IR, detailing the project’s purpose, scale, potential site assessments,and countermeasures to mitigate gambling-related harm.
While the paper is not expected to endorse a specific location, Tomakomai is widely believed to be the leading option. The city has secured backing from several neighbouring municipalities, reinforcing its status as a viable candidate. It also benefits from proximity to an international airport and potential as a broader tourism hub.
A survey across all 179 municipalities in Hokkaido in August gathered opinions ahead of any decision to pursue an IR bid. While this was met with enthusiasm, Hakodate’s leadership expressed reservations about advancing an IR proposal at this time.
The renewed discussion comes amid indications that Japan may reopen the IR application process as early as next year under new prime minister Sanae Takaichi. National authorities are expected to encourage prefectures to revisit IR proposals as part of a effort to stimulate tourism and regional development.
Hokkaido previously withdrew from the first IR bidding round in 2019, while Nagasaki’s proposal was rejected in 2023 due to funding issues leaving Osaka as the only upcoming host of a casino in Japan for now. MGM Osaka, a $3.9bn partnership between MGM Resorts International and Japan’s Orix Corporation, is expected to open in 2030.
