Japan Opens New Window for Integrated Resort Applications from May 2027

Japan’s government has confirmed that local authorities will be able to submit applications for integrated resort (IR) developments between May 6th, 2027, and November 5th, 2027, marking the next phase in the country’s casino resort licensing process. The announcement follows a Cabinet approval on March 10th of an amendment to a Cabinet Order under the IR Implementation Act, according to a statement from the Japan Tourism Agency. The revised order is scheduled to take effect on March 13th.

Under the country’s IR framework, prefectures or ordinance-designated cities that wish to host an integrated resort are required to jointly prepare a district development plan in partnership with a private-sector entity. This plan must then be submitted to the national government for approval by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The government noted that the amendment was introduced in order to “newly accept applications for IR district development plans” from local governments, providing a structured timeline for submissions and review.

Japan’s IR legislation allows for a maximum of three casino-integrated resorts nationwide. To date, only one project has received formal approval: the Osaka IR on Yumeshima island, a joint initiative led by MGM Resorts International and Orix Corp. The MGM Osaka project is currently under construction and is slated to open in 2030.

The new application window is anticipated to give other regions a renewed opportunity to enter the IR competition. Areas previously linked to potential IR development include Nagasaki and Wakayama, although Wakayama withdrew its bid in 2022 after failing to secure adequate financing support. Other locations discussed as possible IR destinations in the past include the Tokyo Bay area and Hokkaido, although no formal plans have yet been confirmed for these sites.

Meanwhile, Aichi prefecture has reportedly allocated approximately $1.75 million in its 2026 budget for an IR-linked tourism feasibility study, signaling continued local interest in the sector. With the national cap set at three IR licenses, up to two additional projects could still receive approval in future rounds, creating a competitive landscape for regions looking to leverage integrated resorts as a driver of tourism and economic development.

By fLEXI tEAM