Hokkaido has started early preparations for a possible integrated resort (IR) bid after setting aside research funding in its draft budget, while Tomakomai city has confirmed its intention to pursue hosting the project. These developments come as Japan prepares for the second round of casino resort applications scheduled for 2027.
Hokkaido’s fiscal year 2026 draft budget, released on 13 February, proposes allocating JPY9.98 million (US$65,138) for research and a policy review on an integrated resort. The funding is intended to revise the prefecture’s “basic stance on IR” and develop what officials describe as the “Hokkaido-Style IR Concept”.
The allocation marks a formal step in reassessing the prefecture’s position on hosting a casino resort. Officials say the revised policy will form the basis for a future decision by Governor Naomichi Suzuki on whether Hokkaido will submit an IR district development plan under Japan’s casino legislation.
The work is expected to involve consultation with municipalities, private sector stakeholders and related organisations. By engaging multiple stakeholders, the prefecture aims to build a clearer understanding of the potential economic, social and operational considerations associated with hosting an integrated resort.
The budget move follows recent comments by Governor Suzuki calling on Japan’s central government to review the outcome of the first round of IR applications, which concluded in December 2023 and produced only one successful project, the MGM Osaka integrated resort.
The Osaka project carries an investment value of JPY1.51 trillion ($9.57 billion) and is expected to open at the end of 2030. Its approval means the first round of Japan’s casino resort licensing process resulted in only one successful project.
Governor Suzuki urged Japan’s central government to review the outcome of the first IR round, which produced only one successful applicant.
Even before the national government confirmed the timeline for the second round of applications, Hokkaido had indicated that it would continue to study the possibility of participating in a future bidding process. The newly announced research funding now provides a concrete framework for advancing that review.
Hokkaido’s renewed planning marks a shift from its position during the first round of IR applications.The prefecture had earlier expressed interest in hosting a casino resort but pulled out in late 2019 before the first application window opened.
The earlier withdrawal reflected a combination of factors, including policy considerations and public debate. The new research initiative suggests that the prefecture is now reassessing the opportunity in light of evolving national policy, market conditions and lessons from the first round.
Hokkaido’s review of its IR strategy is intended to help shape a decision ahead of the next application window. It reflects a cautious effort to examine the potential opportunities and challenges of hosting a casino resort.
As the prefecture continues its policy review, Tomakomai city has confirmed its intention to pursue hosting an integrated resort. The port city, located on Hokkaido’s central south coast, has long been seen as a leading candidate site for a potential development.
During a press briefing, Tomakomai Mayor Suguru Kanazawa stated that the city would actively move forward in cooperation with the prefectural government.
“Now that the central government’s steps regarding the IR initiative have become quite evident, Tomakomai city plans to go ahead together with the Hokkaido prefecture. We will not miss the opportunity,” Kanazawa said.
The mayor’s remarks highlight the city’s commitment to playing a proactive role in the prefecture’s IR ambitions.
Tomakomai has included IR-related promotional efforts in its fiscal year 2026 draft budget, signalling coordination with the prefectural government ahead of the next application round.
The city’s preparations reflect its belief that hosting an integrated resort could generate significant economic benefits. Mayor Kanazawa emphasised the potential positive impact on both the city and the wider prefecture.
“An IR should have a positive economic impact on both Tomakomai city and Hokkaido prefecture. Tomakomai city will not only support and work with Hokkaido prefecture but also work on what it can on its own,” he said.
The statement underscores Tomakomai’s willingness to take independent steps to support the project while working in partnership with the prefectural government.
The budget measures adopted by Hokkaido and Tomakomai show coordination between the prefecture and the city.The prefecture’s budget supports research and policy development, whereas the city’s budget funds promotional and preparatory activities.
This coordinated approach shows that Hokkaido is developing a more structured and collaborative strategy ahead of the next application round. Japan’s IR selection process requires close cooperation between local governments and potential private sector partners.
Japan’s national government has declared that the next application window for localities interested in hosting an integrated resort will be open from 6 May to 5 November 2027. The timeframe provides local governments with a fixed period to draft proposals and obtain partnerships with developers and operators.
The next round follows the approval of only one project in the first application phase and comes as local governments consider the potential of casino resorts to support tourism and economic activity.
Hokkaido’s research funding and Tomakomai’s promotional planning indicate that the region is positioning itself well in advance of the application window.
Hokkaido is not the only region preparing for the next round of IR applications. Aichi prefecture has also announced plans to participate and is launching a request for information to gauge interest from potential developers.
The involvement of multiple potential bidders reflects stronger competition among regions seeking to host integrated resorts. As local governments begin to refine their strategies, early planning and stakeholder engagement are likely to play a critical role in shaping successful bids.
Hokkaido’s move to allocate research funding shows a measured approach to the policy process. By focusing on revising its policy, consulting stakeholders and developing its IR concept, the prefecture is preparing for a possible bid without committing to an application.
Tomakomai’s proactive stance complements this approach by demonstrating local readiness and enthusiasm. The city’s commitment to promotional efforts signals confidence in the economic potential of an integrated resort and its willingness to support the prefecture’s broader strategy.
With the second IR application round more than a year away, Hokkaido and Tomakomai are using the time to continue preparing their plans. The research funding and promotional initiatives announced in the FY2026 budgets represent early steps in what is likely to be a multi-year preparation process.
The developments also illustrate how local governments across Japan are responding to the evolving IR landscape. As the country continues its gradual expansion of casino resort development, regions are positioning themselves to compete for future licences.
For Hokkaido, the renewed focus on research and policy development marks the beginning of a new chapter in its IR ambitions. For Tomakomai, the mayor’s pledge not to miss the opportunity signals a clear determination to become the host city for a future resort.
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