Japan's Hokkaido Prefecture Could Be Back on the Map as a Potential Casino Host
Japan's northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido may once again enter the national conversation on integrated resorts (IR), following a new round of local government consultations and fresh expressions of interest from several major cities. The prefecture, which is the country's second-largest island, conducted a survey in August across all 179 of its municipalities to gauge support for the possibility of hosting an IR that would include a casino.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:On August 28, the leadership of two of Hokkaido's key urban centers, Sapporo and Hakodate, revealed their responses to the survey. Sapporo mayor Katsuhiro Akimoto confirmed that his administration supports the general idea of Hokkaido having a casino resort, but clarified that Sapporo itself does not intend to bid as a host city.
Related: Osaka Casino Resort Breaks Ground Ahead of 2030 OpeningThis position indicates an openness to the economic potential of an IR while avoiding the direct responsibility of hosting one within the prefectural capital.
In Hakodate, Mayor Jun Oizumi explained that his city is interested in being considered as a potential site for an IR. He noted that Hakodate would welcome the economic opportunities associated with such a project, although the city government has not yet prepared or submitted a formal proposal.
The expression of interest from Hakodate signals a willingness to participate in the broader prefectural debate on casino development.
Another municipality, Tomakomai, has also positioned itself favorably toward the idea of hosting an IR. Mayor Suguru Kanazawa stated last week that Tomakomai would respond affirmatively to the prefectural government's survey and indicated the city's readiness to collaborate with neighboring municipalities that might wish to support Tomakomai's candidacy.
Tomakomai has been regarded in earlier discussions as a leading candidate location within Hokkaido, partly due to its status as an industrial port city and its accessibility for international visitors.
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Second Time Around for Hokkaido
The current round of consultation marks the first time Hokkaido has formally solicited municipal input on IRs since 2019, when the prefecture decided against submitting a bid during the initial nationwide application process. At that time, environmental concerns and questions of local support were key factors in the decision to withdraw.
The renewed activity highlights a changing local landscape, with municipal leaders showing fresh interest in the potential economic benefits of tourism and investment tied to casino development.
Discussions in business circles across Hokkaido have also increased in recent months, with local industry stakeholders considering the economic implications of hosting such a large-scale project. IRs are seen by many as a driver of tourism and regional development. For Hokkaido, a prefecture well known for its natural beauty and seasonal tourism, the project could provide new avenues for attracting international visitors year-round.
Tomakomai had previously been identified as the most viable option among three candidate areas considered by the prefectural government before the 2019 decision not to participate. Its location and infrastructure remain attractive factors as Japan considers the future of its IR policy.
Whether Hokkaido decides to submit a proposal in a potential second round of applications will depend on the outcome of the ongoing survey and further prefectural deliberations.
The only IR officially approved in Japan is the Osaka project, led by MGM Resorts International and Orix Corporation. The development, valued at JPY1.27 trillion (US$8.61 billion), is slated to open in 2030.
Nationally, Japanese officials indicated in June that another round of application opportunities for local governments to host IRs is expected in the near future. This suggests that Hokkaido could once again have the chance to participate if a consensus is reached within the prefecture.
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