Hakodate Mayor Backs Away from IR Ambitions, Leaves Tomakomai in Stronger Position

Hakodate, a port city of roughly 240,000 in southern Hokkaido, has declared it is “in no position” at present to pursue an integrated resort (IR) with casino, despite earlier indications of interest. This statement comes from Mayor Jun Ōizumi, who during a session of the Hakodate city assembly on 16 September 2025, explained that while tourism is a major pillar for the city—and therefore there is a natural interest in hosting an IR—there are currently no plans or proposals in place to move forward.

The shift to a more cautious position follows a survey by the Hokkaido prefectural government in August, in which Hakodate, along with Tomakomai, affirmed interest in hosting a casino resort. Tomakomai seems to be a stronger contender: its mayor, Suguru Kanazawa, has said that Tomakomai is “willing” to collaborate with surrounding municipalities for a potential IR bid when the next application window opens. Hakodate’s acknowledgement of interest, however, appears tempered by concerns over feasibility, legal, financial, or other logistical demands.

Japan currently has just one approved IR, MGM Osaka, which combines efforts by MGM Resorts International and Orix Corporation, among others. This project is valued at approximately ¥1.51 trillion (around US$10.3 billion), and is scheduled to open in 2030. The national government is expected to open a second round of IR licence applications, possibly in 2026. Should that happen, Tomakomai may well be positioned as Hokkaido’s primary candidate, with Hakodate holding back for now until conditions (financial capacity, regulatory clarity, local support, or infrastructure) better align.