Ōtō mayor pitches integrated resort proposal as answer to depopulation
Joji Nagahara says the proposed IR could generate US$6.7bn during construction and US$4.3bn annually once operational.
Key takeaways:
- Ōtō mayor Joji Nagahara is proposing a JPY1tn (US$6.7bn) integrated resort with a casino, hotels, restaurants and shopping.
- He suggests the project could generate around JPY650bn (US$4.3bn) in annual economic activity once operational.
- Ōtō’s population has fallen below 5,000 following the decline of its coal mining industry.
- IR applications must be submitted by Japanese prefectural governments between May and November 2027.
Japan.- Ōtō Mayor Joji Nagahara is defending a proposed JPY1tn (US$6.7bn) integrated resort and casino as a potential response to the town’s long-term economic and population decline. Speaking to residents on September 30, Nagahara said the project could generate around JPY650bn (US$4.3bn) annually and attract 13 million visitors.
The proposal is for an IR with a casino, luxury hotels, restaurants and shopping. Addressing concerns regarding gambling addiction, Nagahara said national regulations would mitigate social risks and said he would step down if severe addiction problems were to arise.
Ōtō is a town in Fukuoka prefecture. Its population fell below 5,000 following the collapse of its coal mining industry. Local officials see the resort as an opportunity to counter depopulation.
IR applications must be submitted by prefectural governments to Japan’s central government between May and November 2027. Nagahara said he intends to seek the approval of the Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly by December. Fukuoka Governor Seitaro Hattori has stressed that any IR bid requires careful evaluation of both economic benefits and social impacts.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- What is Ōtō Town’s proposed integrated resort plan? The proposal is for a large integrated resort featuring a casino, luxury hotels, restaurants and shopping facilities with an estimated construction cost of JPY1tn (US$6.7bn).
- How much could the Ōtō integrated resort generate? The mayor estimates approximately JPY650bn (US$4.3bn) in annual economic activity once the resort is operational.
- When can Fukuoka submit a bid for a Japan IR? Under Japan’s IR Development Law, prefectural governments can submit applications between May and November 2027. Mayor Nagahara plans to seek Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly approval by December.
