Japan’s second IR in Hokkaido? Tomakomai mayor revives push
Hokkaido’s newly elected Tomakomai Mayor, Suguru Kanazawa, has reaffirmed the city’s commitment to developing an integrated resort (IR) with a casino. Speaking during his policy address at the opening of the Tomakomai City Council’s regular session, Kanazawa stated that local authorities would continue preparatory work to achieve this long-standing goal.
Kanazawa’s announcement signals a renewed push for Tomakomai’s IR ambitions. Tomakomai, a renowned industrial port city in Hokkaido Prefecture, has faced economic challenges and has long sought to establish an integrated resort to boost tourism, attract private investment, and create new job opportunities.
“We are moving ahead with the international resort plan, including the IR,” Kanazawa told the council. “The city is restructuring its IR promotion initiatives and working closely with the central government and Hokkaido Prefecture to attract private investments to the area around New Chitose Airport.”
Kanazawa further emphasised that the city would engage in discussions with the Hokkaido prefectural government to refine its IR promotion policies. The move signals a concerted effort to align local and national interests in the evolving landscape of Japan’s casino industry.
Hokkaido rethinks its play
This renewed commitment follows the 2019 decision by Hokkaido’s authorities to abstain from Japan’s first IR application phase, citing environmental concerns. However, Tomakomai’s leaders have since continued to advocate for the project, citing its potential economic benefits.
Japan’s IR initiative is part of a broader national strategy to stimulate tourism and economic development by introducing casino resorts in select locations. The country’s IR policy has been met with both enthusiasm and resistance, with proponents highlighting potential economic benefits and opponents raising concerns over gambling-related social issues.
So far, only one integrated resort (IR) project has received government approval. The MGM Osaka project, a JPY1.27 trillion (€7.98 billion) development, is currently under construction and is expected to open in 2030. Osaka’s IR is envisioned as a major driver of tourism, drawing visitors from both within Japan and abroad.
More states bet on casinos
The question now remains whether Japan will open a new round of applications for additional IR licences. In November 2023, the governor of Nagasaki Prefecture disclosed that his administration had received a questionnaire from the Japan Tourism Agency regarding the country’s IR policies.
While no official statement has been made on the matter, speculation is growing that the central government may be considering another application window.
While Kanazawa’s administration remains steadfast in its pursuit of an IR, significant hurdles remain. The national government’s stance on expanding Japan’s casino industry beyond Osaka remains uncertain, and public opinion on gambling remains divided.
Nevertheless, with increasing discussions at both local and national levels, Tomakomai’s ambition to establish an integrated resort could gain momentum if Japan decides to revisit its IR expansion plans.
