Inside Asian Gaming

IAG AUG 2021年8月 亞博匯 100 Prime Minister Suga has stated, “I will fully support Mr Okonogi’s political activities,” an announcement that has since been published as a protest advertisement in a local paper on 29 July. Therefore, the LDP is concerned that Yokohama’s election might affect the upcoming House of Representatives election, which means the party is in a dilemma where, although they can’t let the election be taken by a candidate recommended by opposition parties, they also don’t want to appear to be forcing an IR – especially the casino part of it – down the voters’ throats. IR is, however, national policy promoted by the central administration. BATTLE LINES Once the election is finished, the battle won’t be over. Even if Hayashi were to be reelected, if votes in favor of an IR bid do not exceed half of the effective votes, the opposition will demand a referendum, claiming “the majority opposes the IR bid issue.” With only two for and eight against, and considering doubts over anyone achieving enough votes to be legally elected, the hurdle facing Yokohama’s IR still seems very high. Yokohama has a population of over 3.7 million, making it the largest municipality in Japan. That’s a million more than Osaka, which is also preparing an IR bid. These cities face issues of a declining and aging population as well as declining tax revenue – issues the city needs to resolve for survival. Be it an IR that helps promote this cause or some other key election issue, there is no doubt Yokohama now finds itself at a critical crossroads, with its future very much on the line. JAPAN