Business chamber in Japan’s Sasebo city calls for fresh push for a casino resort

A business group in Sasebo (pictured), in the northern part of Japan’s Nagasaki prefecture, is calling for a revival of the effort to bring an integrated resort (IR) with casino to the community. In December 2023, Japan’s national authorities chose not to approve a proposal for a casino resort on land adjacent to the Huis Ten Bosch theme park in Sasebo, citing concerns about the funding plans. On Monday, the Sasebo Chamber of Commerce and Industry presented a written request to Sasebo mayor, Daisuke Miyajima, calling for the city to revive efforts to secure an IR. That is according to information reviewed by GGRAsia’s Japan correspondent. The news comes soon after a business group in Omura, a city in the southeast of Nagasaki prefecture, said it would have a feasibility study group on the IR topic. The next application round for local governments to apply for an IR – in each case via partnership with a casino operator and the Japanese private sector – is due to run from May 6, 2027 to November 5, 2027. Regarding Sasebo’s renewed expression of interest, Takuya Kaneko, chairman of the Sasebo business chamber, stated: “Our stance on IR remains unchanged. We should try having an IR to revitalise the city and the northern part of the prefecture.” He added: “The knowledge and experience accumulated from the IR efforts in the past are invaluable. We have major advantages against other areas.” He further noted: “We should try having an IR which is suited to our area.” Mr Miyajima was quoted as saying: “The know-how and insights gained from the non-approval in calendar year 2023 are quite significant. “Therefore, the city should consider the possibility of a renewed IR initiative while monitoring future developments at the national and prefectural governments.” The mayor added: “Regarding the location, we should consider not only inside the Huis Ten Bosch [theme park footprint] but also other places in the city, taking into account what is going on at the national and prefectural governments.” Neither Sasebo city nor Omura city qualify to apply directly to the national authorities to host a casino resort, as that right is reserved either for prefectures or what are known as ‘ordinance-level’ authorities. The only Japanese IR approved so far is the under-construction JPY1.51-trillion (US$9.47-billion currently) MGM Osaka resort, being developed by MGM Resorts International with local partners, and due to open at the end of 2030.