News On Japan

Japan to prepare major transformation in tourism industry

Sep 25 (newsonjapan.com) - Japan is gearing up for a major transformation in the tourism industry, set to open its first integrated resorts (IRs) in 2030.

These IRs are poised to attract millions of global visitors, which can substantially impact the economy and society.

The IRs are a highly anticipated development, with the projected economic benefit of ¥1.1 trillion annually and 93,000 jobs created. Osaka city and prefecture could see an intake of ¥106 billion from annual taxes and other business revenues.

The journey of developing Japan's integrated resorts has been long and complex. It began in 2013 when the Japanese government first proposed the idea of legalizing casinos.

After years of debate, the Integrated Resorts Promotion Act was passed in 2018. This act legalized casinos in Japan and established the framework for IR development. Several locations, such as Hokkaido, Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Wakayama, and Nagasaki, were mentioned as potential sites.

In 2019, the Japanese government announced Osaka and Nagasaki were selected to host the country's first IRs. A consortium led by MGM Resorts International and Orix Corporation is developing the Osaka IR. Meanwhile, a consortium led by Casinos Austria International and Nagasaki Prefecture consortium is working on the Nagasaki IR.

Both IRs are currently in the planning stages. The construction is expected to begin in the next few years. Officials in Osaka said the earliest they could open is in the autumn of 2030. This delay also means an increased initial investment cost of ¥1.27 trillion.

One reason for the delay was the time it took for the government to approve the plans. However, the Nagasaki IR is expected to be completed in 2031 with an initial investment cost of ¥438.3 billion.

The plan and benefits for Japan

The Japan's IR plans are extensive. Each IR will feature a casino, hotel, convention center, and various entertainment and retail spots. This would set a precedent for other Japan casinos.

The Osaka resort complex will be located on Yumeshima, a reclaimed island in Osaka Bay. The resort will have a casino, hotels, a conference center, shopping malls, a museum, and a ferry terminal. High-rollers will have access to a helicopter pad.

Meanwhile, the Nagasaki IR will be developed at Huis Ten Bosch theme park. The resort will have a casino boasting 3,000 electronic gambling machines and 400 table games. Four hotels will have about 2,500 rooms, while the convention center can accommodate up to 6,000 people.

A shopping mall, golf course, and various dining spots will complete the scene.

The IRs are expected to boost the local economy by drawing domestic and international visitors. For instance, Osaka's resort is projected to bring in ¥1.14 trillion annually by drawing around 20 million visitors.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the development of Japan's IRs. It caused construction delays and led to a decline in tourism. However, the government is still committed to developing the IRs. It asserts that IRs will play an important role in the country's post-pandemic economic recovery.

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

A passenger car was captured speeding across the frame from left to right by a security camera just moments before a fatal crash in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture, that claimed the lives of four vocational school students.

A fire broke out on the evening of April 25th on an electronic billboard attached to the Yodobashi Camera commercial complex in front of JR Osaka Station, prompting a large emergency response. No injuries were reported.

Organic fluorine compounds known as PFAS—suspected to be harmful to human health—have been detected at concentrations exceeding the national provisional target in rivers and groundwater at 242 sites across 22 prefectures, according to a government survey.

The Japanese government will begin issuing blue tickets for bicycle traffic violations in April 2026, with fines including 5,000 yen for ignoring stop signs and up to 12,000 yen for riding while using a smartphone.

A 26-year-old woman was arrested in the early hours of April 24th in Kasuya Town, Fukuoka Prefecture, on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. While admitting to the offense, she claimed, "I ate chocolate that contained alcohol."

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Sports NEWS

Orix Buffaloes pitcher Taisuke Yamaoka, who had been referred to prosecutors for allegedly gambling on online casino platforms, will not face indictment, prosecutors announced on April 23rd.

A public flower offering was held on April 23rd at Koshien Stadium in memory of former Hanshin Tigers manager Yoshida Yoshio, who passed away in February at the age of 91 following a stroke. Many fans gathered to pay their final respects.

In the city of Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture, the annual Tulip Festival is underway, captivating visitors with fields of vibrant tulips at the peak of their bloom.

ここ数年で、スポーツベッティング(スポーツ賭博)は世界中で急速に注目を集め、日本国内でもその人気が広がりを見せています。

The torch to be used in the relay for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics and Paralympics has been unveiled for the first time at the Osaka-Kansai Expo venue.

It is the third practice by Yokozuna and Ozeki, who were held in the Grand Sumo Chiba Tour. (Twilight Melancholy)

Sports betting is often seen as a game of chance. Many believe that winning comes down to being lucky. While luck can play a role in short-term results, it’s discipline that separates successful bettors from casual gamblers in the long run.

Yokozuna Hoshoryu performed a powerful unryu-style dohyo-iri ring-entering ceremony on March 30th as part of the Grand Sumo Dedication at Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture.