An “Integrated Resort Seminar” was held on 5 March in Hokkaido, one of the leading candidate areas for a regional Japanese IR.
The event was sponsored by The Nikkei and saw 367 participants attend the seminar in Sapporo City, including businesses with an interest in IRs and those in municipal bodies interesting in attracting an IR.
The ripple effect and social impact of IR development on the local area were among the main discussion topics.
Shigeru Ishiba, member of the Liberal Democratic Party and the lower house, said he is focused on local development.
“IR is not a matter the national government should be pushing. It is up to the local areas to determine the direction for development,” he said.
Five overseas IR operators, including Hard Rock Japan and Rush Street, were there as sponsors. The Hokkaido governor election in April will have a great bearing on the future of Hokkaido’s bid for an IR.