written and last updated by
Sam Smith at
16 May 2024
Journalist, Editorial Department
Former official Norifumi Ide has urged the Japanese government to promptly announce the second phase of applications for integrated resort-casino development. Communities across the country are eligible to participate in the bidding process.
Ide, who previously held a senior position at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, made his proposal during a meeting of the Nagasaki Assembly committee. Nagasaki has already submitted a bid to build a casino resort in the first round of applications, but while its efforts have yet to bear fruit, another major city—Osaka—has received the necessary approval. MGM Resorts International, in partnership with Japanese financial firm Orix Corp, is currently working on the construction of MGM Osaka.
Ide emphasized that an early announcement of the second round of bidding would allow regions in Japan to approach the issue of casino resorts with greater clarity and transparency. "The Japan Tourism Agency under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism should announce the start of the second application process as soon as possible. This will facilitate the actions of local governments and private businesses," Ide stated.
According to the former official, several prefectures and cities are already considering the possibility of hosting casino resorts, including Tokyo, Hokkaido, and Aichi.
Additionally, Ide suggested revisiting the minimum requirements for non-gaming facilities at the resorts, such as meeting and exhibition spaces and hotels, as well as the application process itself. He believes that the current regulations are suitable for metropolitan areas but pose challenges for other regions. The existing legislation outlining the requirements for casino resorts was enacted in 2018, with a review scheduled for ten years later, in 2028.
It is worth noting that the authorities in Nagasaki may reapply for a casino license if the Japanese government provides more clarity on the matter.
