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 deepening labor shortage in Japan’s construction industry is beginning to impact homebuyers, with some experiencing delays of more than six months before construction can even begin due to a lack of available carpenters.

From April 1st, a new regulation took effect across Osaka Prefecture requiring all restaurants with a customer seating area larger than 30 square meters to become entirely smoke-free indoors—unless they install a designated smoking room. Establishments violating the rule face fines of up to 50,000 yen, while customers may be fined up to 30,000 yen.

The Imperial Household Agency launched an official YouTube channel on April 1st to introduce the activities of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.

Japan's new fiscal year began on April 1st, with companies across the country holding entrance ceremonies to welcome new employees.

The Japanese government has released an updated damage forecast for a potential Nankai Trough megaquake, estimating that up to 298,000 people could die in the worst-case scenario. This projection reflects a slight reduction from the previous estimate of 332,000 deaths made 13 years ago.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Sports NEWS

If you were to ask a random person on the street, “Who are the best marathoners on Earth?”, you’d almost certainly hear one answer… The East Africans. Nowadays, they’re synonymous with distance running but until quite recently there was another powerhouse on the global scene… The Japanese. (Ran To Japan)

The IG Arena, a new venue that will host events for the 2026 Asian and Asian Para Games in Aichi and other areas, has been completed, with a handover ceremony held on March 29th, 2025.

Trevor Bauer, a former Major League Baseball pitcher, has rejoined his team in Japan, the Yokohama DeNA BayStars. In his latest video titled "I Rejoined My Team In Japan," Bauer shares his experiences and the journey back to playing baseball in Japan. (Trevor Bauer)

Jon Morosi narrates a short story about the connection that baseball has created between Japan and Major League Baseball. (MLB Network)

Ahead of the Major League Baseball season opener at Tokyo Dome, samurai doll displays featuring Japanese players were unveiled on Tuesday at Kyugetsu's headquarters in Taito Ward, Tokyo.

Ahead of the Major League Baseball season opener at Tokyo Dome, samurai doll displays featuring Japanese players were unveiled on Tuesday at Kyugetsu's headquarters in Taito Ward, Tokyo.

Dodgers pitcher Sasaki made his first start in a Major League Baseball spring training game on March 11th, throwing four scoreless innings against the Guardians in Glendale, Arizona. He allowed just one hit while striking out two and walking two.

SoftBank Hawks pitcher Jun Maeda delivered an outstanding performance against the reigning Central League champion Yomiuri Giants, shutting them out over six innings in a preseason game on March 11th.