Inside Asian Gaming

INSIDE ASIAN GAMING MAR 2019 30 JAPAN Local allegiance IAG speaks with IR Local Alliance President, Kanji Hori IAG: What brought about the IR Local Alliance? Kanji Hori: At first the prefecture’s attitude was leaning in the direction of just leaving everything to an overseas IR operator and we knew that just wouldn’t do. Foreign companies have a strong tendency to prioritize their own interests and those of stockholders. But we know the region must benefit. IAG: There are some really prominent corporation members. KH: This is a group of professionals, be it F&B, tourism or transportation infrastructure. All the companies have something to offer. We aim to be a group that can beat the competition. IAG: And what is your position? KH: Kansai has its own tourism and culture. It’s important for local companies with a passion for city development to be active in planning, instead of just passively taking the blows of overseas operators and big businesses. IAG: Kansai is also a treasure box of national treasures and cultural heritage. KH: That is another strength. We’ve been sharing Osaka’s charm with the world, but it must go deeper. There are temples and shrines, Japanese food, geisha, Noh theater and so much more. We have proven results and know-how. IAG: What direct steps are being taken for IR development? KH: We have made use of the video screens in 3,000 of Osaka’s taxis and also wraps on the outside of tourist buses in the cities to promote an IR. We are also taking initiatives for problem gambling. IAG: The Osaka IR Fundamentals Plan is forecasting annual sales of JPY480 billion for an Osaka IR. What are your thoughts? KH: We are involved in the attraction enhancement facility and the customer service facility known as facilities #3 and #4. Our specialties are conveying our charms, such as food, history and culture, and bringing people to these sites. It is critical that the entire region benefits. IAG: What will be the deciding factor for the IR bid? KH: The IR will include facilities #1 (international conference center) and #2 (exhibition hall) among others, but what will set us apart are the #3 and #4 facilities as with Singapore, which Japan is using heavily as a reference. It goes without saying, that is the key in this case too. IAG: What would the conditions be for a partnership with an overseas operator? KH: They have to be thinking of how to contribute to Osaka first. In other words, we will partner with someone who will incorporate our wishes. The goal is to beat the competition. If we do partner with someone, we will discuss the final conditions and enter into a contract. IAG: What is the response so far? KH: The IR operators have become more conscious of contributing to the region. From that perspective, MGM has a leg up. But I hear that Melco is catching up. IAG: What does the Local Alliance have in mind for the immediate future? KH: We want to expand employment from both inside Japan and overseas, especially employment from Western Japan. We want to take initiatives for personnel training as part of that. Expanding employment is the top priority.