Yokohama rejects opposition to IR bid

A petition was submitted urging authorities to back out of the bidding process and create a new business plan for the city without a casino.

Japan.- The city of Yokohama remains committed to staying in the race to gain an integrated resort (IR) licence next year. The local government has rejected a petition calling for it to drop its plan to participate.  

A petition examined on September 11 by the City Council Building, Urban Development and Road Committee, urged the city to withdraw its interest in the IR bidding process and to draft a new business plan for the city not including a casino. 

Masato Yamashita, a member of the city council and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, said he understood the signees’ concerns.

He said: “I do understand the sentiment of the petitioners. I hate gambling and do not gamble.” 

Yokohama’s bid for an IR has attracted interest from Pixel Companyz in association with Partouche, and Get Nice Holdings along with Current Corp. Wynn Resorts has withdrawn its interest.

Yokohama mayor Fumiko Hayashi has said that the municipal administration remains interested in moving forwards with the bid and plans to continue conversations with potential partners.  

Yoshihide Suga, who has been selected to succeed Shinzo Abe as president of the Liberal Democratic Party, has said in the past that he will continue with Japan’s plan to grant three IR licences in 2021.