The governor of Japan’s Aichi Prefecture says an ambitious plan to build a major integrated casino-resort (IR) on an artificial island will attract international tourists. The odds, however, may not be in his favor.
Per the Japanese newspaper Mainichi Shimbun, Aichi Governor Hideaki Omura said the resort would create an “international tourism hub.”
The proposed construction site is adjacent to Chubu Centrair International Airport, near the city of Nagoya.
Chubu operates air routes to a range of Asian destinations, including Beijing, Seoul, Taipei, Manila, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Shanghai.
Japanese Governor’s IR Dream
As the Asian gambling market continues to grow, Tokyo has earmarked the IR sector as a future growth engine.
The central government says it will approve three IR projects nationwide, with provinces given a deadline of late 2027 to submit applications.
However, pushback from residents and anti-gambling advocates has resulted in slow uptake.
To date, Tokyo has approved only one IR project: MGM Osaka, which is due to open in 2030.
Aichi had originally mulled a bid in 2019, but shelved its work on the project in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Earlier this year, Omura and his government decided to resurrect the plan. Last month, the prefecture set a July 31 deadline for prospective operators.
Aichi plans to select a preferred operator between autumn 2026 and spring 2027.
Mainichi reported that since April, Aichi officials have heard proposals from a range of operators.
Why Does Aichi Want to Build a Casino-Resort?
Omura’s plan is reportedly motivated by three major factors. The first is the fact that no other players have come forward besides Osaka. As things stand, if Aichi can formulate a solid plan before next year, few obstacles will stand in the way of its approval.
Secondly, attracting international tourists is a major draw for Aichi. The prefecture has lower numbers of foreign visitors than other major cities in the country.
An influx of tourists, Omura believes, will help revitalize a local economy that has experienced a population outflow in recent years.
Finally, Aichi is reportedly seeking stable sources of funding. The provincial government expects revenue generated from the IR to provide an influx of cash. This, officials say, could help develop medical and welfare policies.
But success is far from guaranteed, the newspaper reported.
Experts foresee a prolonged surge in construction materials and prices due to the “unstable international situation.”
This, and other factors, are driving a “significant increase” in costs associated with Osaka’s IR project, say experts.
As such, the newspaper concluded, there are concerns within the prefecture about whether any reputable overseas or domestic businesses have enough appetite to undertake the “enormous initial investment” costs of building an IR in Aichi.
