The Japan Communist Party Tokyo Council has presented materials showing Rinkai Fukutoshin in the Aomi area of Koto ward is under consideration as a candidate area for IR.
According to local media reports, the Council had requested that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government disclose information, subsequently obtaining and analyzing 74 internal documents.
Although large portions of the documents were blacked out, the Council’s read is that they clearly state that the Northern side of Aomi is a promising candidate and point to Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands as an example of the type of facility that might be suitable. They also indicated a preferred schedule from the potential bid decision to opening.
The Council, which has a strong anti-casino stance, reacted angrily to the information, saying it is clear the government is researching and considering an IR bid for Tokyo.
Japan’s largest city has long been considered an obvious choice for one of three integrated resorts to be developed nationwide in the coming years although local officials have not yet offered any firm commitment to an IR bid.
A number of possible Tokyo locations have been suggested, including the famous Tsukiji fish market which is set to undergo a major redevelopment.