Hokkaido in Japan said no to an integrated resort licence in 2019. The prefecture shows interest again now. The Governor of Hokkaido, Japan, refused the chance to bid for an integrated resort (IR) licence in 2019. Environmental concerns stopped the plan. People still want an IR. Governor Naomichi Suzuki listens to them now. “Things change now,” Suzuki told reporters last month. “The IR project might help Hokkaido grow. Private investment and tourist spending could increase.”

Three Licences But Only One Japan IR Gets Approval

The Diet made a law in 2018. Japan can have three IRs maximum. Shinzo Abe, the late prime minister, wanted these developments. Foreign investment and international tourists would come to Japan. Hokkaido wanted to bid at first. Tomakomai became the top choice for the location. Hard Rock International would run the resort. They picked Uenae, close to Chitose International Airport. The city lost hope when scientists found rare birds in nearby forests. These endangered birds lived in the area. The Japan Times reported Suzuki had no time to check the environmental effects. He decided not to bid.

COVID-19 Changed Everything

Japan lost its appeal as “the next holy grail” of global gaming during COVID-19. Gaming companies cut their spending plans worldwide. Wynn left the race first. Las Vegas Sands, Caesars, Genting, Galaxy, and Melco followed. Two cities applied to host IRs in April 2022. Osaka and Nagasaki submitted their applications. The government approved only one project. MGM Osaka will cost $8.9 billion. MGM partners with Orix Corp for this venture. The resort opens in 2030.

The Diet appointed new gaming commissioners in December. People hoped for new bidding rounds. Takafumi Sato became chairman of the commission. The former prosecutor helped create Japan’s IR regulations. Junichi Kakimizu joined as a commissioner, too. He led the National Tax College before. Michiko Watari kept her commissioner position. The psychiatrist works with Hirofumi Kitamura and Keiko Ishikawa. Kitamura worked in law enforcement. Ishikawa teaches economics.

Hokkaido Still Wants an IR

The Hokkaido government asked local cities last month. Officials wanted to know who wants an IR. Tomakomai said yes immediately. Suguru Kanazawa became the new mayor in December. He supports IRs strongly.  Kushiro Mayor Hidenori Tsuruma likes the idea. Lake Akan could become a major tourist spot. Environmental groups might fight this plan. The area has hot springs and an indigenous Ainu village. Jun Oizumi leads Hakodate City. The mayor wants more information about IRs. “International operators would show strong interest if politicians support the last two casino licences,” he wrote.

Local people must support any IR plans. Hard Rock might build a guitar-shaped hotel in Tomakomai. The plan includes a Four Seasons Resort. A Hard Rock Live venue would host concerts. Shops and restaurants would serve visitors. The casino forms part of the complex. Hard Rock’s design respects local culture. “An authentic Ainu village experience helps people learn about the indigenous Ainu people,” the company said.