Japanese city joins the bidding list

The Japanese city of Echizen is also interested in hosting an integrated resort.

Japan.- Authorities of the Japanese city of Echizen have revealed a project that addresses the installation of an integrated resort in the area to contribute to the local economy and the development tourism. Echizen city is located in Fukui Prefecture, an area that had not previously been considered as a potential host.

Last Friday, the Fukui Association of Corporate Executives presented the casino proposal, which will compete with bigger cities’ gaming plans.“This proposal exceeds what our city can accomplish on its own, so I look forward to tying up with all of Fukui Prefecture and indeed all of the Hokuriku region,” commented Echizen Mayor Toshiaki Nara.

Echizen is also a rural part of Japan with only about 80,000 people within the city limits, although authorities believe tourism boost could improve its image. Masahiro Hayashi, one of the leaders of the Fukui Association of Corporate Executives as well as president of Fukui Bank, added: “Although we have examined various plans, from the point of view of economic efficacy an IR initiative is the best.”

The Integrated Resorts (IR) Implementation Bill is yet to be approved, but the Japanese government continues to look into different requirements to be set for operators and gamblers. All propositions are still to be debated at the Japanese Congress, but it’s still unclear when that will happen and – according to experts – Japan casinos may not open until 2026.