Melco’s Tokyo office raided by Public Prosecutor as Akimoto scandal deepens
Sparks from the Akimoto IR bribery scandal have now spread to major IR operators. Local Japanese major media outlets NHK News Web, The Sankei News, The Nikkei and Kyodo News have all reported Friday morning that “the Japanese entity of a major...
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Abe hints that rules of contact with IR operators may be incorporated into Basic Policy
The rules of contact between IR operators and government officials are under consideration, according to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in comments made at the lower house plenary session on Thursday. Answering questions related to the recent bribery scandal involving six...
Gaming Standards Association announces name change ahead of Japan gaming educational seminar
The Gaming Standards Association (GSA) – an international trade association that facilitates the identification, definition, development, promotion and implementation of global industry standards – has revealed that it will host a gaming educational seminar for invited guests in Tokyo on 28...
Miyagi prefecture eying IR bid but concerns grow over estimated US$3 billion investment
Miyagi prefecture has released a survey report exploring the possibility of an IR bid. However, with total costs estimated at JPY 330 billion (US$3 billion), the prefecture has also expressed concerns about “excessive investment” that could take “20 to 46...
IR costs being considered as an addition to Hokkaido’s 2020 budget
Hokkaido is considering including operating expenses in the general accounting budget for a future IR bid. The policy reflects the attitude of Governor Naomichi Suzuki, who has said he will continue work for an IR despite announcing late last year...
Japan’s IR Basic Policy postponed to February as opposition parties call for IR Promotion Act repeal
The Japanese government has revealed it will postpone until February publication of the Basic Policy that will set the final criteria for selection of the nation’s IR operators. The Basic Policy had until now been planned for this month. The...
Genting Singapore sets maximum US$10 billion investment in Japan IR
Genting Singapore, operator of Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa, has revealed a maximum budget of US$10 billion for development of an integrated resort in Japan. The figure formed part of a circular to shareholders issued on Monday ahead of an extraordinary...
Japan tourist numbers soar past 30 million for first time in 2019
The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) announced on Friday that the number of tourists arriving in Japan surpassed 30 million for the very first time in 2019, achieving a record high of 31.88 million. The figure, representing a 2.2% increase...
