Osaka to consider new submissions for IR project until April 6

Osaka’s prefecture has made changes to its IR implementation policy in order to consider new submissions from potential private partners.

Japan.- Osaka has announced the extension of its submission period for integrated resort proposals until April 6, with final proposals due in July.

The change was made in order to allow any new proposals from potential partners to be considered. To date, a partnership between MGM Resorts International and ORIX is the only firm participant in Osaka’s IR tender.

The implementation policy has also been modified to relax some requirements regarding space for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) and hotel accommodation in order to allow for a gradual expansion of the IR.

The prefecture has also revealed the final version of the local implementation policy for its integrated resort (IR) scheme.

Osaka will choose its partner for its proposed IR project in September and resubmit its IR development plan to Japan’s national government in April 2022.

In February, Osaka dropped its target opening date for its IR project, which had been pushed back to March 2027. That date now appears to have been abandoned due to the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Current state of Japan’s IR developments

Yokohama: A group of residents has established an IR opposition group and wants to promote a unified anti-IR mayoral candidate. Meanwhile, Yokohama’s current mayor, Fumiko Hayashi has not yet clarified whether she intends to run for reelection.

Nagasaki: Three operators have been selected to progress to the next round of the selection process: Oshidori International Holdings, Casinos Austria International and Niki Chau Fwu Group. In June, the companies have to submit secondary examination documents. Nagasaki will select the final candidate in August.

Hokkaido: Hokkaido’s governor Naomichi Suzuki has confirmed that the prefecture does not intend to bid for a licence in the first phases of IRs in Japan’s but will reconsider the project in seven years’ time.