Yokohama awaits national IR policy
The potential bidding for an IR at Yokohama is still on hold as the city Mayor Fumiko Hayashi is waiting for “fully aparent” national policy to decide.
Japan.- Integrated resorts (IRs) are soon to be finally regulated in Japan as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is putting priority on the reglamentation bill. However, until said process is not completed Yokohama will “remain a blank slate” on the matter, as revealed by Mayor Fumiko Hayashi.
Yokohama is one of the potential IR hosts but is waiting for “the national policy” to become “fully apparent”. After that happens, the city will conduct a citizen survey and discuss the matter with the business community. Nonetheless, Mayor Hayashi said they’re “not in any hurry for the national government to set out the legal framework.”
Despite being one of the regions which most likely will host an IR, it still faces a strong opposition by the Yokohama Harbor Transport Association. Chairman Yukio Fujiki said: “In regard to Yamashita Pier development, I’d like to see, not a casino, but rather stylish facilities including an international convention center, hotels, etc.”
Still, not the entire business community is against the project as Yokohama Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s Chairman Takashi Ueno has been advocating for establishing an IR and said he expects this year to be the one it finally happens.
