Hokkaido Explores Casino Plans as Tomakomai and Kushiro Bid
Hokkaido has reopened conversations around hosting a casino integrated resort (IR), nearly six years after Governor Naomichi Suzuki shelved the idea. In August, the prefectural government distributed a survey to local municipalities to gauge interest, suggesting a fresh push to join Japan’s gradual expansion into regulated casino tourism.
The renewed debate comes as Japan’s first IR project spearheaded by MGM Resorts and Orix in Osaka advances toward a 2030 launch. With Osaka still holding the only approved license, Hokkaido leaders appear eager to secure a position should additional slots become available.
Tomakomai and Kushiro Signal Interest
Tomakomai, located near New Chitose Airport, has emerged as a strong candidate. Mayor Hirofumi Iwakura pointed to the city’s transport links, tourism potential and proximity to international gateways as assets for future growth. The city previously considered an IR proposal in 2019 but withdrew due to environmental concerns and timing issues.
Kushiro, in eastern Hokkaido, is also exploring the possibility. Mayor Hidenori Tsuruma highlighted how an IR could elevate Lake Akan’s profile as a tourist destination while noting opportunities for involvement from the Indigenous Ainu community drawing parallels with similar initiatives abroad.
Meanwhile, Hakodate has not yet formalized its stance but is actively studying feasibility and gathering information for a potential bid.
Government Outlook and Approval Path
Governor Suzuki acknowledged that circumstances have shifted since 2019. While only Osaka has approval now, Japan’s original IR plan envisioned up to three sites. Suzuki sees a resort as a possible driver of private investment and inbound tourism but stressed the need to address environmental impacts and gambling related harm.
Any Hokkaido proposal would first require local and gubernatorial approval before submission to the central government a process likely to take several years with no certainty of success.
Opportunities and Challenges
Hokkaido’s revived interest reflects Japan’s cautious yet ongoing approach to integrated resorts, balancing tourism growth with social responsibility. With Osaka’s IR already under construction, other regions like Hokkaido face both opportunity and competition.
Tomakomai and Kushiro are positioning themselves as frontrunners, leveraging infrastructure and community engagement to strengthen their cases. Whether Hokkaido secures a license remains uncertain, but its pursuit underscores broader ambitions to expand regional tourism and investment through casino development.
