Hokkaido Governor Urges Tokyo to Reflect on Japan’s Single Integrated Resort Approval

The Governor of Hokkaido has called on the Japan central government to reassess its integrated resort (IR) policy, questioning why only one project has successfully secured approval nationwide so far. Speaking publicly, the governor suggested that the outcome reflects structural and regulatory challenges within Japan’s IR framework rather than a lack of interest or capability among regional governments.

Japan’s IR regime was initially designed to approve up to three casino-integrated developments as part of a broader strategy to boost tourism and regional revitalisation. However, to date, only the Osaka IR project at Yumeshima has cleared the approval process. Hokkaido, once seen as a strong contender due to its scale, tourism appeal, and international brand recognition, withdrew earlier amid political resistance, local opposition, and concerns over social impact.

According to the governor, the fact that only one project progressed suggests that compliance requirements, timelines, and risk allocation may be overly burdensome for prefectural governments and private investors alike. High development costs, strict anti-gambling safeguards, and complex coordination between local and national authorities have made it difficult for regions to build consensus and submit viable bids. This, he argued, undermines the original goal of fostering competition and balanced regional development.

Industry observers echo these concerns, noting that Japan’s cautious approach—while understandable given social sensitivities around gambling—may have dampened investor enthusiasm. Several major international casino operators that once expressed strong interest in Japan have since redirected capital to other jurisdictions with clearer regulatory pathways and faster approvals. The slow pace has also raised questions about whether Japan can remain competitive in the global integrated resort market.

Looking forward, the Hokkaido governor urged Tokyo to study the lessons from unsuccessful or withdrawn bids and consider refinements to the IR framework, especially if additional licensing rounds are planned. Analysts say any recalibration would need to strike a delicate balance between social safeguards and commercial viability. Without such adjustments, Japan’s IR policy risks falling short of its original ambition to create multiple world-class resort destinations beyond Osaka.