NAGOYA - Aichi Prefecture has resumed discussions on attracting an integrated resort (IR) facility that would include a casino, a plan drawing renewed attention from residents of Tokoname City, the proposed host area.
Governor Hideaki Omura revealed at a press conference in February that the prefecture would once again study the feasibility of developing an IR project. Integrated resorts combine large-scale tourism facilities such as hotels, restaurants and convention centers, and under Japan’s legislation can also include casinos where gambling is permitted under strict regulation.
The candidate location under consideration is an area near Chubu Centrair International Airport in Tokoname, which also hosts the Aichi Sky Expo international exhibition center. The site, positioned at the gateway to the Chubu region, receives large numbers of travelers every day.
Japan’s central government plans to allow up to three IR facilities nationwide. Construction is already underway in Osaka, while proposals from several other cities have previously failed to secure approval. Aichi Prefecture is now examining whether it should formally enter the competition for one of the remaining potential licenses.
Omura said the initiative is aimed at strengthening the region’s appeal as an international tourism hub. The prefecture hopes that an integrated resort could serve as a focal point for global tourism while helping stimulate the local economy.
Aichi had previously explored the possibility of hosting an IR as far back as 2017, when a panel of experts was convened to study the idea. However, the plan was effectively put on hold after the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020.
Roughly six years later, the prefecture is reconsidering the project. Officials say they want to evaluate whether an IR could revitalize tourism and economic activity, while also generating stable revenue that could be used to support healthcare and welfare policies.
The renewed examination comes after the national government indicated that it plans to reopen the application process for IR development between May and November next year. In response, Aichi Prefecture has decided to reassess the feasibility of submitting a bid.
Tatsuaki Kuroda, who chaired the expert panel that previously advised Aichi to pursue an IR, argues that bringing a casino resort to the region could produce major economic benefits.
Kuroda said the original concept was to leverage Centrair Airport to attract more international visitors and establish the area as a hub for tourism in central Japan. With the expected recovery of international flights and potential airport expansion, he believes more overseas travelers could arrive, stay in the area, and use it as a base for exploring destinations across the Chubu region.
At the same time, Kuroda emphasized that a successful resort would need more than hotels and conference facilities.
"If an IR were built at Centrair, it would need to offer a wider range of attractions," he said. "Especially if targeting overseas visitors, the region must communicate its unique appeal. Otherwise, it may struggle to sustain interest in the long term."
Tokoname City officials say they are cautiously watching the prefecture’s decision-making process. They note that an increase in inbound tourism could potentially serve as a catalyst for promoting tourism throughout the surrounding region.
Local business owners also expressed mixed but generally positive views.
One shop operator said attracting more visitors could be beneficial. "Since we work in a tourist area, it would be good if more people came," the person said, adding that increased foot traffic could help local businesses.
Another resident said they hope international tourists might also venture into Tokoname’s well-known pottery walking district.
However, concerns remain about potential gambling addiction. While the prefecture plans to strengthen awareness campaigns for young people through social media and establish support centers for addiction, some residents worry about the risks.
"There’s always the concern that local people could become addicted and spend too much money," one resident said.
Kuroda acknowledged that gambling addiction is a legitimate concern and said countermeasures would need to be carefully managed, with the prefectural government taking a leading role in addressing potential social impacts.
Aichi Prefecture began soliciting opinions from interested private-sector operators on February 25th as part of the evaluation process. Officials aim to decide whether to move forward with a formal bid before the national government’s application deadline next November.
Some experts argue that the region must develop stronger attractions to encourage visitors to stay longer. Many tourists currently visit destinations such as Takayama or Shirakawa-go but do not remain in Nagoya, instead quickly moving on to Kansai or Tokyo.
To change that pattern, they say, Aichi will need to create facilities and experiences that encourage visitors to spend more time in the region.
Source: Nagoya TV News
