Nagasaki Prefecture has announced that it will launch its Request for Proposal (RFP) on 7 January 2021, becoming the third of Japan’s four IR candidates to do so.
At a press conference held on Christmas Day, Governor Hōdō Nakamura said the prefecture had decided to start its operator recruitment process as soon as possible after the national government released its Basic Policy for the development of IRs on 18 December.
“We will continue to devote our efforts to the realization of a ‘Kyushu-Nagasaki IR’, which can contribute to the revitalization of tourism and the local economy of Kyushu as well as Nagasaki Prefecture, and to the development of Japan,” Governor Nakamura said.
Japan’s Basic Policy calls for up to three locations to be granted licenses to develop an integrated resort, while also outlining key criteria that each location and its operator partner must fulfil. They include development of local and national tourism with a focus on international visitation; a strong operation, finance and compliance track record; clear preventive measures and effective solutions for gambling issues; and increasing opportunities for local and regional economic growth.
Nagasaki prefecture, Osaka prefecture, Yokohama city and Wakayama prefecture are the four locations currently looking to develop an IR.
Osaka launched its RFP in February with MGM Resorts the only company to apply, while Wakayama also launched its RFP in March with Suncity Group and Clairvest the two interested parties.
Four companies and consortiums have confirmed their intention to bid in Nagasaki: Oshidori International Holdings, Casinos Austria, Pixel Companyz in collaboration with Groupe Partouche, and a consortium comprising Get Nice Holdings and Current Corp.