https://sigma.world/news/japan-integrated-resort-projects-aichi-hokkaido-2027/
Japan's next IR round takes shape in Aichi and Hokkaido
Written by Rajashree Seal
20 hours ago
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Japanese prefectures are continuing preparations for the country’s next integrated resort (IR) licensing round, with Aichi extending its request-for-proposal (RFP) process for a potential casino resort while Hokkaido moves forward with a draft policy framework that could underpin a future bid.
The developments come ahead of Japan’s next IR application window, which will run from 6 May 2027 to 5 November 2027. The process will allow prefectures and ordinance-designated cities to compete for up to two remaining casino resort licences.
Aichi revises RFP schedule after requests from potential participants
Aichi prefecture has pushed back key deadlines in its RFP process for a proposed integrated resort with a casino on Chubu Centrair International Airport Island.
The prefectural government announced on Wednesday (17 June) that it had revised the timetable after receiving requests from prospective participants seeking additional time to assess the viability of the project.
Under the revised schedule, the deadline for participation statements has been extended to 30 September from 31 July. The competitive dialogue phase with interested parties will now continue until next winter instead of ending in September this year, while the deadline for final proposals has been postponed from autumn to around the winter period.
According to the prefectural authorities, no participation statements had been received as of 17 June.
The government said multiple companies had approached the prefecture requesting more time to evaluate the business feasibility of the project and formulate development plans before deciding whether to participate.
The schedule adjustment comes less than three months after Aichi formally launched the RFP process on 1 April. The initiative marked the prefecture’s first formal step towards participating in Japan’s second round of IR licensing and seeks a private-sector partner for a proposed development adjacent to Chubu Centrair International Airport and the Aichi Sky Expo convention facility.
Hokkaido releases draft policy framework
While Aichi is progressing through the partner-selection stage, Hokkaido has released a preliminary draft of its integrated resort policy framework, outlining the purpose and direction of a potential IR project while leaving open the question of whether it will ultimately submit a bid.
The document, titled ‘The basic stance on IR of Hokkaido prefecture‘, was made public on Tuesday after being presented a day earlier to a committee of the Hokkaido Prefectural Assembly.
The draft is intended to serve as the basis for Governor Naomichi Suzuki’s decision on whether Hokkaido should prepare and submit an IR District Development Plan to the national government.
According to the document, an integrated resort could stimulate tourism demand, increase visitor spending across the prefecture, generate broader economic benefits and provide funding for social welfare and cultural initiatives through casino-related levies.
The proposed vision positions a Hokkaido IR as an international gateway connecting the prefecture with the rest of Japan and overseas markets. It would also seek to support local industries and improve residents’ quality of life through enhanced public services and cultural offerings.
The draft places particular emphasis on Hokkaido’s natural environment, food resources, culture and regional attractions as core elements of the resort concept.
It further states that any future IR should be sustainable, minimise reliance on casino operations, incorporate advanced technologies and include measures to address gambling addiction, money laundering and other potential social impacts.
The policy framework says core non-gaming facilities should generate sustainable visitor demand and remain profitable on a standalone basis, while casino-related revenue would be used for reinvestment and social initiatives.
Latest step in a broader Hokkaido review
The release of the draft policy represents the latest stage in Hokkaido’s ongoing evaluation of a potential casino resort project. Earlier this year, the prefecture launched a tender seeking research into the feasibility of an integrated resort, including studies covering tourism demand, economic impact, infrastructure requirements and issues related to regional development.
Subsequent discussions by the prefectural government outlined the concept of a “Hokkaido-style IR” and established a timetable aimed at determining the prefecture’s basic policy by autumn 2026.
The current draft follows that process and is intended to inform the final decision on whether Hokkaido should pursue participation in the 2027 licensing round.
The document notes that the environment surrounding IR development has changed significantly since Hokkaido first adopted an IR policy in 2019. Although the prefecture had previously expressed interest in hosting a casino resort, it withdrew from consideration later that year before the first licensing round began.
Despite setting out a detailed vision for a future resort, the draft does not indicate whether Hokkaido should ultimately proceed with an IR bid. It also makes no reference to a candidate host municipality.
The omission has attracted attention in local media reports, as Tomakomai had previously been regarded as Hokkaido’s preferred location during earlier discussions on IR development.
The prefecture said further examination is required on several issues before the policy can be finalised, including the overall direction of a Hokkaido IR, the effectiveness of measures to address gambling addiction and the role such a development could play in resolving regional challenges.
Officials plan to conduct interviews with IR operators, related businesses and municipalities across the prefecture. A final draft of the policy is expected to be presented to the prefectural assembly in September, with Hokkaido’s basic position on the issue due to be finalised in October.
Focus turns to 2027 application window
The latest developments mark the next steps in separate integrated resort initiatives in Aichi and Hokkaido, with both prefectures continuing their respective evaluation and planning processes.
Japan’s only approved casino development remains the JPY1.51 trillion (US$9.42 billion) MGM Osaka project involving Osaka city and prefecture, MGM Resorts International, Orix Corp and other local partners. The development is scheduled for completion by the end of 2030.
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