Two licences up for grabs
In 2018, Japan’s National Diet passed legislation allowing for the development of up to three integrated resorts nationwide. However, the outbreak of Covid-19 soon after caused several major international operators — including Wynn, Las Vegas Sands, Genting, and Melco — to withdraw from the process.
As a result, only two bids were formally submitted, from Osaka and Nagasaki prefectures, together with their respective gaming partners, MGM Resorts International and Casinos Austria. In 2023, the government approved just one proposal.
The successful project, MGM Osaka, is an $8.9 billion joint venture between the US-based gaming group and local partner Orix Corp. Construction began in April, and the integrated resort is scheduled to open in 2030.
Renewed optimism for another bidding round emerged in December 2024, after the government approved the appointment of new members to the gaming commission.
Second chance for Hard Rock, Hokkaido
Hokkaido previously explored the possibility of submitting an IR bid, with Hard Rock International identified as its prospective development partner. Those plans stalled after surveys revealed habitats of rare and protected bird species at the proposed site in Uenae, Tomakomai, near New Chitose Airport. Facing limited time to properly evaluate the environmental impact, Governor Naomichi Suzuki ultimately chose not to back the bid.
Since then, the governor has softened his stance. Speaking in August, Suzuki said conditions had shifted, adding that integrated resorts are now seen as a potential driver of regional growth. He noted that an IR could help attract private-sector investment and increase tourism-related spending in Hokkaido.
Interest has also been shown by the Hokkaido cities of Kushiro and Hakodate, both of which have indicated a willingness to host an integrated resort. Under Hard Rock’s proposal, the selected site would undergo a major transformation, featuring a signature guitar-shaped hotel, a Four Seasons Resort, a Hard Rock Live entertainment venue, along with retail outlets, dining options, and a casino.
Hard Rock is already well established in Japan, operating six Hard Rock Cafes across Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, and Kyoto.
Meanwhile, Nagasaki Prefecture is also expected to emerge as a strong contender for one of the remaining integrated resort licences.
