The Hokkaido government in Japan has recently revisited the possibility of establishing a casino resort, marking the first official move since the plan was halted six years ago. According to The Japan Times, in August, the Hokkaido government conducted a survey on the development intentions of Integrated Resorts (IR) among various municipal authorities, with areas such as Tomakomai City and Kushiro City expressing clear interest.
Background and Survey Launch
Hokkaido Governor Naomichi Suzuki had previously halted the earlier integrated resort plan six years ago, and now the government has restarted related discussions. In August 2023, the Hokkaido government conducted an intention survey among the municipal authorities within its jurisdiction, aimed at understanding the interest in developing integrated resorts in various areas.
This move is related to the progress of Japan's first integrated resort project. The Osaka Prefecture project, led by MGM Resorts International and Orix Corporation, is scheduled to open in 2030 and has become the only IR project in Japan to receive an official license so far.
Local Intentions and City Advantages
The port city of Tomakomai, south of New Chitose Airport, has once again become a potential candidate. Mayor Hiromi Iwakura confirmed that the city responded positively to the government's survey and emphasized its existing infrastructure advantages, proximity to international transport hubs, and potential to boost inbound tourism.
Kushiro City in eastern Hokkaido also expressed its intention to develop. Mayor Hidetoshi Tsuruma believes that an integrated resort could help transform the Lake Akan area into a significant tourism center and proposed the possibility of involving the local Ainu community in the project.
Hakodate City, however, stated that although there are no specific plans yet, it is gathering relevant information to prepare for a possible future application. The responses from various cities show that many areas in Hokkaido are open to such projects.
Government Attitude and Consideration Factors
Governor Suzuki acknowledged that circumstances have changed since the plan was halted in 2019. He stated that although only Osaka Prefecture has received official approval so far, the central government initially envisioned a maximum of three integrated resorts.
The governor pointed out that such projects could drive private investment and tourism spending, but also emphasized the need to properly address environmental and social issues, including the potential risks of gambling addiction. This balanced development perspective reflects the government's comprehensive consideration of integrated resort projects.
Approval Process and Time Expectations
Any integrated resort proposal in Hokkaido would need to go through a multi-level approval process. It first requires approval from the municipal departments, then endorsement by the governor, and finally, submission for central government review.
Even if the formal application process is initiated, it is expected to take several years to complete all procedures. Moreover, whether Hokkaido can ultimately obtain a license remains uncertain, depending on the assessment of various factors.
Future Prospects and Potential Impacts
The restart of discussions on integrated resorts in Hokkaido reflects the ongoing interest in large-scale tourism and entertainment projects in some regions of Japan. Such projects are seen as potential ways to drive local economic development and boost tourism.
However, the advancement of these projects still requires a comprehensive consideration of economic benefits and social impacts to ensure they meet regional development needs and central policy requirements. Hokkaido's moves will provide important references for the development of integrated resorts in other regions of Japan.
