MGM Resorts International's Japan Integrated Resort (IR) project leader Ed Bowers stated at the G2E Asia forum that the Osaka Expo's performance exceeded expectations, proving that the Yumeshima area can accommodate 250,000 visitors per day, providing a positive signal for the "MGM Osaka" project. This project is the only gambling IR approved by the Japanese government, with a total investment of $10 billion. It started construction in April 2024 and is scheduled to be completed by 2030. The project is jointly owned by MGM and the ORIX Group, each holding 40% of the shares, with 22 minority shareholders participating. It will introduce three hotel brands providing 2,500 rooms and is equipped with 680,000 square feet of convention space. Currently, over 100 cranes have been deployed at the project site, and the team is actively pushing forward with construction, planning to recruit about 10,000 employees in the future.
Project Background and Expo Verification
Ed Bowers, the head of MGM Resorts International's Japan IR project, spoke at the "Asia-Pacific Growth Opportunities" forum at the Las Vegas International Entertainment Exhibition (G2E). He mentioned that the ongoing Osaka Expo has been more successful than expected, proving that the project's location can accommodate 250,000 visitors daily.
Bowers described the Expo as "unexpectedly successful," which is "very positive" for MGM, aiding the company in accelerating the development of the "MGM Osaka" project.
Expo Data and Visitor Verification
The 2025 Osaka Expo opened on April 13 and will close on October 13. The six-month exhibition period is expected to attract about 28 million visitors, with recent visitor numbers significantly increasing.
Reports indicate that the daily visitor count in the weeks leading up to the Expo's closure has approached 250,000, verifying the high visitor capacity of the Yumeshima area.
Current Status and Construction Progress
As the only IR project approved by the Japanese central government to operate gambling businesses, MGM officially commenced the "MGM Osaka" groundbreaking ceremony in April 2024. Land preparation work began at the end of 2023.
Bowers revealed: "Currently, over 100 cranes have been deployed at our project site (located opposite the current Expo venue)," indicating that construction is fully underway.
Investment Structure and Partners
The total investment for the project reaches $10 billion, constructed by a consortium. MGM Resorts and Japan's ORIX Group are the main investors, each holding about 40%.
Additionally, 22 minority shareholders are involved in the investment, creating a diversified investment structure that supports the smooth progression of the project.
Facility Planning and Project Scale
As planned, the project will be completed and open by 2030. It will introduce three hotel brands, offering 2,500 rooms to accommodate different levels of guest needs.
The project is equipped with 730,000 square feet (approximately 68,000 square meters) of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) space and tourism facilities, showcasing the cultural charm of Osaka and Japan comprehensively.
Team Building and Recruitment
Bowers stated that the consortium is fully committed to advancing the construction and preparation for the opening. Currently, the project team consists of about 60 core members, with a total of 120-150 people involved, including partners.
The project plans to recruit about 10,000 employees in the coming years, gradually expanding the team size to eventually achieve independent operation of the joint venture.
Recruitment Challenges and Solutions
Bowers candidly expressed the significant challenges in recruiting in Japan: "The Japanese recruitment market is highly competitive, and even recruiting 10 or 50 people is not easy, so devising a comprehensive recruitment plan will be a primary task for the team."
Recruiting about 10,000 employees is considered one of the biggest challenges of the project, requiring the team to develop detailed recruitment strategies and training plans.
Timeline Planning and Opening Goals
Despite the challenges, MGM is confident in completing the construction by the end of 2029 and opening as originally planned in 2030. Bowers emphasized: "We are working in a brand-new market, cooperating with new regulatory bodies, and many tasks are being carried out for the first time."
The project timeline has been set, and the team will proceed with the construction work in planned phases.
Market Significance and Industry Impact
The MGM Osaka project is not only one of the largest development projects in Japan, but its recruitment scale will also set an industry record. The project's success will have a significant impact on Osaka's tourism and economic development.
Bowers stated: "This is not only one of the largest development projects in Japan, but the expected number of recruits will also set an industry record."
Cooperation Model and Local Integration
The project adopts a cooperation model between international and local enterprises, with MGM and ORIX Group as the main partners, while maintaining close cooperation with 22 local minority shareholders.
The team will actively connect with local businesses, suppliers, and the public to ensure the project integrates well with the local community and achieves sustainable development.
