Nagasaki governor says prefecture could support potential Omura integrated resort bid
Ken Hirata has signalled willingness to share expertise to help a potential bid to host a casino in Omura.
Japan.- Discussions around a potential integrated resort (IR) bid in Omura City in Nagasaki Prefecture appear to be gaining momentum. Nagasaki Governor Ken Hirata has confirmed that conversations are taking place within Omura’s business community regarding the possibility of bidding to host an IR with a casino.
Only prefectures and ordinance-designated cities can submit bids for IR casino licences to the national government, which means Omura would need Nagasaki Prefecture’s support for any application. However, Hirata said the next step should come from the city itself.
“First, Omura City and the local business community need to discuss whether they want an IR and understand the significance of having one,” the governor stated. He added that Nagasaki Prefecture would be prepared to support the process if needed by sharing knowledge gained during its previous IR application and through its network of government and industry contacts.
It’s expected that an Omura Bay Green IR Feasibility Study Promotion Council will be established in August with Omura Mayor Hiroshi Sonoda serving as an advisor. The group is expected to study the feasibility of an IR project and deliver recommendations to the city and the prefecture by the end of 2026.
Nagasaki was one of the candidates in Japan’s first IR licensing round in 2023 but failed to gain approval from the central government. The only project approved was the integrated resort being developed in Osaka by a consortium led by MGM Resorts and Orix. That’s scheduled to open in 2030.
Japan’s new IR application window is scheduled to run from May 6 to November 5, 2027.
