Melco aims at Yokohama IR

While the industry awaits final regulations, Melco International targeted a Yokohama IR and will open an office in the city to push for a licence.

Japan.- The casino industry still has to arrive in Japan as the government hasn’t outlined final regulations yet. In this context, some cities continue to position as potential landing spots for international operators. That’s why Melco will push for a Yokohama IR and will open an office in the city to do so.

Melco International Development announced what would be its third office in the country. As it has already landed in Osaka and Tokyo, the company has aimed at Yokohama as well.

“Japan continues to be the group’s core focus,” Melco International said in a filing to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. “With offices in Tokyo and Osaka and an upcoming one in Yokohama along with a local [Japan] leadership team, the group is now fully engaged to explore local partnerships and to further build up our local presence,” it added.

Yokohama’s interest

Yokohama Mayor Fumiko Hayashi hosted a news conference on Thursday where she announced that the city wants to host a casino resort. The government wants to boost the tourism sector and considers a casino resort as a vehicle to do so.

Hayashi said that they have to look into Yokohama’s future, “the 20 to 30 years ahead”. The Mayor added that they’re getting ready to prepare an official bid. “I’ve come to the conclusion that in order to achieve growth and development, we need integrated resorts (IRs) in Yokohama.”

The Mayor highlighted Yamashita Wharf as the location for the casino resort. They believe that the location being adjacent to popular sightseeing spot Yamashita Park is a good option to open an IR by the mid-2020s, Japan Times reported.