Osaka Prefecture in Japan plans to develop new technology and leisure facilities on Yumeshima Island after the successful hosting of the 2025 World Expo, aiming to create a global tourism hub, with the core project being the MGM Osaka Integrated Resort. This resort is a joint venture between MGM Resorts International and Japan's Orix Corporation, with an investment of $3.92 billion (280 billion yen), expected to open in 2030 and attract 20 million visitors annually. Originally an artificial island, Yumeshima was home to a container terminal and a waste treatment plant, and was transformed as part of Osaka Prefecture's 2017 industry and investment attraction plan. During the 2025 World Expo, Yumeshima Island hosted over 25 million visitors, showcasing innovative technologies such as flying cars, artificial hearts, and AI robots, generating an estimated profit of $3.92 billion, laying the foundation for future development. There is still public division in Japan about the integrated resort, with about one-third of the population expressing opposition due to concerns about gambling addiction.
Project Background and Location
Osaka Prefecture in Japan plans to develop a technology tourism center on Yumeshima Island, an artificial island built nearly 50 years ago, originally used as a container terminal and waste treatment plant. In 2017, Osaka Prefecture initiated a transformation plan to turn it into a "global tourism center," attracting more industries and investments.
Yumeshima Island has just successfully hosted the 2025 World Expo, themed "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," providing infrastructure and recognition for subsequent development.
MGM Integrated Resort Planning
The MGM Osaka Integrated Resort is the core project of Yumeshima Island's development, jointly constructed by MGM Resorts International and Japanese developer Orix Corporation. The project investment reaches $3.92 billion (280 billion yen), with an official opening expected in 2030.
The resort will include Japan's first casino, convention facilities, hotels, restaurants, retail stores, and entertainment venues, expected to attract 20 million visitors annually.
World Expo Foundation and Technology Exhibition
The 2025 World Expo laid the foundation for the development of Yumeshima Island, despite facing issues such as cost overruns, construction delays, and low public interest during the preparation phase, but ultimately achieved great success. The expo hosted over 25 million visitors, with 158 countries exhibiting technological innovations.
Exhibits included flying cars, stem cell-cultivated artificial hearts, and AI robots guiding visually impaired individuals, attracting widespread attention.
Economic Benefits and Expected Impact
According to The Japan Times, the World Expo is expected to generate $3.92 billion in profits, providing financial support for subsequent development. The original expo venues will become the cornerstone of technology centers and entertainment destinations, with supporting commercial and leisure facilities adjacent to the integrated resort.
Orix's Kansai region representative, Takahashi Toyotomi, stated that the resort would rival integrated resorts in Macau and Singapore, making a significant contribution to the local economy.
Public Opinion and Social Division
There is a clear division among the Japanese public regarding the integrated resort. A survey in November 2024 showed that nearly one-third of Japanese people opposed the integrated resort due to concerns about gambling addiction, with 30.6% in favor and 36.7% neutral.
Kobe University sociology professor Hiroki Ogasawara represents the opposing view, believing that casinos are built on "the greed, desires, and pursuit of economic wealth of a few."
Government Support and Development Vision
Osaka Prefecture Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura supports the development of the integrated resort, stating at the groundbreaking ceremony in April that the project "will create an extraordinarily unique space, stimulating new tourism and business demands, and acting as a catalyst for economic growth in Osaka."
The government believes the integrated resort will drive regional economic development and enhance Osaka's international tourism competitiveness.
Future Planning and Additional Projects
Risona Comprehensive Research Institute's Hideyuki Araki believes that the development of Yumeshima Island should bring benefits to all stakeholders and generate synergistic effects with the integrated resort. Investors have proposed additional projects, including building a Formula One racetrack, more luxury hotels, and a water park.
Experts emphasize that the project should not end with large-scale development alone but should adopt a strategy focused on the medium and long-term economic outlook.
Challenges and Countermeasures
The main challenges facing the integrated resort include public acceptance and prevention of gambling addiction. The project needs to establish a responsible gambling mechanism and community support systems to alleviate public concerns.
Developers need to balance commercial interests with social responsibility to ensure sustainable development of the project.
International Comparison and Positioning
The MGM Osaka Integrated Resort is positioned as a top entertainment destination in Asia, directly competing with integrated resorts in Macau and Singapore. Japan hopes to enhance its position in the international tourism market through this project.
The project combines technology exhibitions and entertainment experiences, creating a unique tourist attraction.
Long-term Impact and Regional Development
The development of Yumeshima Island is expected to have a long-term positive impact on Osaka's economy, creating job opportunities, attracting international investments, and enhancing the city's international image. The concept of a technology tourism center will drive the development of innovative industries.
If successfully implemented, the project could serve as a reference model for other regional developments, promoting the upgrade of Japan's tourism industry.
