Content Writer: Janice Chew • Thursday, 25/10/2025 - 22:53:05 - PM
Japan’s political landscape has just witnessed a historic moment with Sanae Takaichi becoming the country’s first female prime minister, representing a turning point in both gender representation and policy direction. What is particularly noteworthy is her long-standing advocacy for the country’s integrated resort (IR) framework—an area that places gambling, tourism and regional economic planning under one umbrella. According to industry reporting, she emerged as an early and vocal supporter of the IR legislation that began taking form in the mid-2010s.
Takaichi’s connection with the IR initiative dates back to the era of her mentor, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who championed large-scale resort development as a key pillar of Japan’s growth strategy. The IR Promotion Law of 2016 and the implementing regulations in 2018 laid the groundwork for casino-anchored resort complexes, and Takaichi was among the legislators aligned with that push. Her support signals continuity in Japan’s policy to leverage inbound tourism, foreign investment and regionally-anchored development via resort clusters.
Industry analysts are interpreting Takaichi’s ascent as a potential trigger for renewed momentum in Japan’s IR sector. The bidding processes for future resort licences had stalled somewhat in recent years—impacted by the pandemic and regulatory caution—but her government could inject fresh impetus into these projects. At the same time, this signals to developers, regional governments and investors that the IR pathway remains a live and politically supported venture under her leadership.
However, her posture is nuanced: while backing land-based resorts, she has adopted a stricter stance toward unregulated online gambling. Reports suggest she sees online casinos as a social hazard linked to organised crime, and intends to bolster regulatory enforcement in that space even as land-based IRs expand. This “dual-track” approach—promote regulated on-site resort development but clamp down on off-shore or unlicensed digital gambling—reflects her broader conservative agenda.
Looking ahead, Takaichi’s government must balance several competing factors: name-brand IRs like MGM Resorts International’s Osaka project remain on track, but questions will arise over social impacts, responsible gaming frameworks, regional community buy-in and fiscal implications. Her role as IR advocate may accelerate activity, but the regulatory, infrastructural and societal safeguards will be equally critical. The political commitment is clear—but execution will determine outcomes.
