Japan’s Aichi Prefecture has unveiled plans to create one of the country’s first permit-holding casino resorts (IRs), if approved.
The prefectural authorities say they want an operator to build the IR on approximately 50 hectares of “usable land” on the Chubu Centrair International Airport Island.
The artificial island is already home to a major air terminal.
The successful IR operator will be handed an initial 35-year lease, the prefecture wrote in a press release.
Aichi Prefecture says applications are now open for firms that wish to construct and operate the IR.
Japan’s Aichi Prefecture: Accepting IR Operator Applications
The prefecture said it will accept applications until July 31. It will then select a proposed operator between autumn 2026 and spring 2027. The prefecture then plans to finalize its bid and submit it to the central government.
The government has already approved a bid to build an IR in Osaka. Construction began on the Osaka IR late last year, with US-based operator MGM teaming up with the Japanese firm Orix on the project.
The tentatively named MGM Osaka is set to open its doors in 2030. But Tokyo wants to approve a maximum of two more IR bids by next year. So far, most Japanese prefectures have expressed reluctance, with Aichi proving the exception.
Overseas firms say they are closely monitoring the situation. Last month, Bally’s Corporation said it would invest in the Japanese casino-resort sector if it were given the chance.
Bally’s chairman Soo Kim has previously expressed an interest in opening an IR in Fukuoka.
Aichi said it conducted a feasibility study with 15 private businesses between February 25 and March 19.
The prefecture wants a future operator to buy the existing Aichi International Exhibition Center, and says the initial 35-year permit will be extendable.
The prefecture will also retain a buyback clause that comes into effect at the end of the 35-year term.
Conference Center Ambitions
Aichi says the operator must also agree to construct a state-of-the-art conference center at the site.
The site must host no more than one casino, the plans state, which may comprise no more than 3% of the IR’s total floor area.
The prefecture wants the operator to develop hotel and tourism facilities that comprise at least 100,000 square meters.
Meanwhile, police in Japan say they are struggling to take down illegal online casino-related web pages and social media posts, despite recent crackdowns.
