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The governor of Nagasaki Prefecture confirmed that there is talk going on in Omura City regarding the concept of an integrated resort complete with a casino. This was said during a question-and-answer period at a prefectural assembly plenary meeting, as per a local media report.
Omura Interest Takes Shape
Interest in an IR concept in Omura first emerged last month, when reports said a business group in the eastern city had expressed support for the idea. Omura itself cannot apply directly to the national government for an IR, as only prefectures and ordinance-level cities are eligible to do so.
Nagasaki had already taken part in the first round of Japan’s IR selection process, but was told in December 2023 that its plan had not been successful. That earlier outcome remains part of the background as the city now explores whether it wants to revisit the topic through local discussions.
Governor Outlines Prefectural Role
On Tuesday, Television Nagasaki reported that Governor Ken Hirata responded to a question from a prefectural assembly member from Omura on how the IR issue should be handled. He said that Omura City and the local business community first need to discuss whether they want an IR and understand what having one would mean.
He also said that, depending on the need, the prefecture can provide Omura city with knowledge it developed through the previous application process. He added that the prefecture could also share information obtained through its network with the central government and related companies.
The comments suggest that Nagasaki prefecture is not moving ahead on its own, but is instead waiting for the city and its business community to define their own position before offering support.
Study Council Planned
According to the May report, a group called the Omura Bay Green IR Feasibility Study Promotion Council is set to be established in Omura city in August. Hiroshi Sonoda, the city’s mayor, will serve as an advisor to the council.
By the end of calendar-year 2026, the council is expected to make a suggestion on the IR application topic to both the city and the prefecture. That timeline gives local stakeholders several months to examine the idea before any recommendation is made.
The process also fits into Japan’s wider IR timetable, with the next application window set by the national government running from May 6, 2027 to November 5, 2027. That period will allow prefectures and ordinance-level cities to compete for the remaining opportunities in the second round of licensing.
Broader Japan Context
Japan’s first successful IR candidate was the Osaka prefecture and city. It is now developing the JPY1.51-trillion, or US$9.49-billion currently, MGM Osaka with commercial partners MGM Resorts International and Orix Corp. The project is scheduled to open in 2030.
Nagasaki’s latest discussion around Omura comes against that backdrop, with local actors now considering whether to revive interest in an IR concept after the prefecture’s earlier setback. For now, the focus remains on the city’s internal discussions, the planned feasibility council, and the prefecture’s possible advisory role.
Source: GGR Asia
