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Japan’s Tourism Agency has opened a second application window for local governments seeking to develop integrated resort (IR) destinations with casino gaming, marking a renewed opportunity for municipalities that missed the initial licensing round.
Six-Month Application Period Set for 2027
The application window will run for six months, beginning May 6, 2027, and closing November 5, 2027. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s external bureau published a draft Cabinet order this week outlining the new application process for interested municipalities.
The draft order is currently undergoing public consultation, after which it will be formally adopted as regulation in accordance with Japan’s Integrated Resorts Act. A limited number of localities are expected to participate, including Hokkaido and Nagasaki.
Nagasaki Positioned for Second Attempt
Nagasaki previously participated in the first application round alongside another municipality but was ultimately rejected. The rejection stemmed from concerns regarding the financing structure of its proposed IR project and the applicant’s limited experience in large-scale IR operations.
With the new application window, Nagasaki has an opportunity to address the deficiencies identified in its initial proposal and compete for one of the two remaining national IR licenses.
Two National Licenses Remain Available
Under Japan’s IR Development Act, a maximum of three locations nationwide may be selected to host integrated resorts. During the original application round, Osaka secured the first license, awarded to an MGM-led consortium. Construction on the Osaka IR has already commenced.
The Osaka integrated resort represents an investment of approximately $8.6 billion and will occupy 52 acres on Yumeshima, a 700-acre artificial island in Osaka Bay. The development will feature three hotels across different brands, offering a combined 2,500 rooms, and a 730,000-square-foot convention center. The casino component will account for 3% of the resort’s total indoor space.
With Osaka’s license awarded, two additional licenses remain available for distribution through the upcoming application process.
Tourism-Oriented Strategy
Shigeki Murata, Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency, emphasized the strategic importance of integrated resort development to the nation’s tourism objectives.
“This is an important measure toward realizing a tourism-oriented nation,” Murata stated. He described the development and promotion of IRs as a significant contribution “to the promotion of stay-based tourism.”
The Japanese government views integrated resorts as a mechanism to extend visitor stays, increase tourism-related spending, and position Japan as a competitive destination for international business and leisure travelers in the Asia-Pacific region.
Source: Japan Tourism Agency
