Yokohama launches videos on IR bid

Since community briefings are on hold, the city intends to use videos to raise awareness of the benefits of a potential IR.

Japan.- Yokohama city has released a series of videos featuring Mayor Fumiko Hayashi, in which she explains the main aspects of the government’s integrated resorts (IR) scheme.

There are three videos of about 45 minutes each, in which the Mayor outlines why the city wants to place a bid for one of the three IR licences Japan will issue next year, explaining how it could help the city’s financial recovery and tax revenues.

Hayashi goes over frequent questions the authorities have received during briefings with the community, with emphasis on measures to counter gambling problems and security issues.

The city had been holding briefings and meetings in different wards to raise awareness of Yokohama’s IR bid but these came to a halt in February when the Covid-19 pandemic forced the government to introduce restrictions.

With the plan to bid for an IR to be located at Yamashita pier still moving forward, and the national government’s schedule unchanged for now, Yokohama plans to replace briefings with the videos, which people can watch on YouTube or borrow on DVD from public offices.