Japan confirms Osaka as first IR venue set for 2029

Osaka was more or less a shoo-in right from the start. Despite local opposition and qualms about societal ills, including a demand for a referendum that was ultimately snubbed by the central government, the country’s second-smallest prefecture is now all set to host the first integrated resort (IR) project that will be arriving in Japan in 2029.

The process of legalization was long and arduous. In mid-last-week, media reports suggested that the government would be picking the first prefecture to host the country’s inaugural IR, with only Nagasaki and Osaka in the running. Naturally, Osaka came down as the winner on Friday, with an official go-ahead from the government.

Commenting on this decision, Japanese Tourism and Infrastructure Minister Tetsuo Saito said that Osaka’s bid proved successful and has met sufficient criteria to move forward with the construction of the first integrated resort in the country. Nagasaki, however, would need further consideration by the government before its bid may be approved or, conversely – rejected.

Politicians are happy with Osaka winning the IR bid and the project itself becoming a reality – or getting closer to becoming one at the very least. The process was riveted with challenges – from companies dropping out of the race to several high-profile cases involving corruption and lobbying on behalf of foreign companies.

Then the pandemic struck putting a damper on many investors’ ambitions to turn the IR project into a robust source of revenue. The uncertainty saw many previous bidders withdraw with Osaka and Nagasaki prefectures the only ones to have submitted their bids before the deadline.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was happy with the decision, seeing the IR as an important milestone in boosting the country’s tourism. According to Kishida, the IR will contribute to transforming Japan into a premier tourist destination that will "disseminate its charm" worldwide.

Not everyone sees the upcoming project in the same positive light, however. Some critics of the project have repeatedly criticized the government for what they allege is short-sightedness. According to opponents, Japan is going to make its problem gambling issue worse while also giving organized crime a strong footing in the country.

Regardless, the first IR is happening. The project will be built on the island of Yumeshima, a reclamation project, and it will include a number of exhibition facilities, conference halls, a hotel, a theatre, and of course, a casino.

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