Ōtō mayor files formal request for Fukuoka to consider IR, says opportunity ‘lost for good’ if prefecture misses 2027 IR bid round

If Japan’s Fukuoka prefecture doesn’t make a bid for an integrated resort (IR) with casino in the next national application round starting in May next year, “the opportunity will be lost for good”. That is according to Tuesday comment by Joji Nagahara, mayor of Ōtō, a small town (pictured) in the northeast of Japan’s Kyushu island and part of Fukuoka prefecture. Last month it was reported the town was keen to host an IR. It would need the support of the prefecture to do it. Mayor Nagahara on Tuesday submitted a formal request to Fukuoka prefecture, urging the local authorities to promptly begin preparations for submitting an IR District Development Plan to the national government in time for the next application window, running from May 6 until November 5, 2027. The mayor pressed for a decision in December in the prefectural assembly. He stated in his remarks at a Tuesday press briefing, following delivery of the formal request and referring to the fact up to three IRs are allowed under Japan’s liberalisation programme: “There are only two IR slots remaining. If Fukuoka prefecture fails to move now and other prefectures submit IR plans instead, the opportunity will be lost for good.” The only approved and under-construction IR scheme so far is the JPY1.51-trillion (US$9.54-billion currently) MGM Osaka. Regarding the second round of applications, a number of prefectures including Aichi and Hokkaido, has made comment on possibly taking such a step, though none has so far firmly committed to doing so. Mr Nagahara said of Ōtō’s push: “Our request was driven by a desire to halt depopulation and enable the Tagawa region to achieve independent redevelopment. The ball is now in the prefecture’s court.” He added: “Moving forward, the process will depend on the prefecture’s decision. I have requested that a decision be reached during the regular December session of the prefectural assembly.” Also on Tuesday, Seitaro Hattori, Fukuoka prefecture’s governor, said in his own press briefing, it “would be quite tight” to meet the 2027 IR application window opening. Mr Hattori stated in his comments, reviewed by GGRAsia’s Japan correspondent: “Making and submitting an IR District Development Plan to the government requires the completion of all necessary procedures, including a fair process for selecting an IR developer.” He added: “In local governments that have gone ahead with IR projects – such as Osaka prefecture [and city] – it took a significant amount of time to make and submit” the plan. “Given the timing of the next application window, it would be quite tight in time.” The prefecture’s governor further noted: “It is difficult to advance a project of such massive scale and significant social impact without establishing the consent of the prefecture residents. “The prefecture must be diligent in ensuring that the voices of the local people are thoroughly heard.” Fukuoka’s top official added: “While a successful IR project could yield significant economic benefits, there would also be social harm including gambling addiction issues. “It is essential to weigh both the positive and negative aspects with extreme caution.” The impact of an IR would “not be limited to the host municipality alone,” stated Mr Hattori, adding it would “extend throughout the entire Kyushu region”. Additionally, the prefecture “also has to carefully evaluate the suitability of the proposed site,” stated the governor.