Hokkaido IR bid decision, coming soon

The Hokkaido Governor announced he’ll reveal his IR bid decision before the end of 2019 after he took a slow approach on the whole issue.

Japan.- Japan continues to near the arrival of the casino industry. That’s why Hokkaido governor Naomichi Suzuki said he’ll make a decision on an IR bid by the end of 2019.

The governor has taken his time to assess the issue, but will finally announce his decision soon. “(According to) the movement of the national government, from next year the full-fledged application process will begin,” he said.

Upcoming meetings for a Hokkaido IR

The Hokkaido Prefectural Government assesses an IR bid and development. Consequently, it will hold explanation meetings with the general public.

The meetings will take place in five locations. Governor Naomichi Suzuki wants to see the public’s reactions to decide whether or not to go forward. Therefore, Hokkaido Government’s authorities will discuss its research on an IR development and seek public views about it.

Potential locations in Japan

Japanese Tourism Minister Kazuyoshi Akaba hosted a news conference last week where he confirmed that eight areas in the country are interested in bidding to host an integrated resort (IR).

Akaba cited the results of a survey conducted by the Japan Tourism Agency, Japan Times confirmed. The eight areas are Tokyo, Yokohama, Hokkaido, Osaka, Nagoya, Chiba, Wakayama Prefecture and Kagasaki Prefecture. The survey started on September 9 and finished on September 23.

The Tourism Agency said that it will interview officials from the eight areas to confirm the status of their operations. Local governments interested in hosting an IR must file their plans for state approval.