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Japan’s national government has formally announced a provisionally scheduled application period for communities seeking to develop integrated resorts featuring casino operations. The Japan Tourism Agency, in collaboration with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, released a draft version of the Cabinet order regarding the period of duration: from May 6, 2027, to November 5, 2027.
Application Timeline and Public Consultation Process
The proposed application framework is also open to public comments, since a period of consultation is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, the 17th of December, and will end on January 16, 2026. The period allows interested parties to make comments on the application timelines and processes that are yet to be finalized as a Cabinet order.
The application process operates under Japan’s 2018 Integrated Resorts Act, the legislative framework authorizing casino-integrated resort development within specified jurisdictions. This represents the second formal application round following the initial process disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic complications and concluded in December 2023.
Eligible Jurisdictions and Application Requirements
Japanese prefectures and ordinance-designated cities will possess the authority to submit individual Integrated Resort District Development Plans for national government evaluation. This participatory framework enables local authorities throughout Japan to assess regional viability and develop comprehensive development proposals addressing national regulatory standards and economic feasibility requirements.
Hokkaido and Nagasaki prefectures have been identified in Japanese media reporting as likely application candidates. Hokkaido’s Governor Naomichi Suzuki indicated in late November his priority involved advancing application preparations regardless of whether an official application date had been formally announced, suggesting significant local commitment to IR development pursuit.
Current IR Development Status
Despite the 2018 Integrated Resorts Act contemplating the development of up to three integrated resorts, Osaka represents the sole jurisdiction currently constructing such a facility. This can be seen in the development of the MGM Osaka Resorts, slated to be completed by 2030. The construction cost for the development project now stands at US$10 billion.
The initial round of applications has resulted in a small turnout, with only Osaka and Nagasaki prefectures applying. Nagasaki prefecture’s application has been disapproved on account of funding uncertainties, which implies that funding viability has become one of the essential factors in evaluating IR approval.
Political Support and Policy Direction
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, gave clear policy direction at the end of October with directives to her incoming Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism on developing IRs and creating stay-type tourism with international competitiveness. This level of support at a high level of politics reflects that the government is committed to furthering the development of IR policy.
The directive from Takaichi gives a specific policy direction for the officials in the tourism ministry to support the development of IRs, with a possible positive impact on the chances for approval in the second round.
Second-Round Application Prospects
This allows at least 16 months in May 2027 when the application takes place for the preparation of comprehensive IR proposals by the interested countries. This allows the feasibility study by the concerned countries, along with the preparation of development plans as per the evaluation criteria, which had been an important factor during the first round.
The expected involvement of Hokkaido and Nagasaki indicates that there will be geographic diversification in the development of IRs, creating the possibility for the establishment of integrated resort gaming facilities in various regions. The development will meet the tourism development objectives that Takaichi has emphasized.
Source: GGR Asia
