Japan’s New Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi Poised to Boost Casino Resort Development

Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, is expected to play a decisive role in reinvigorating the nation’s integrated casino resort (IR) ambitions.

Her close political ties to the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and her coalition with the pro-IR Japan Innovation Party signal strong potential backing for the advancement of these long-delayed projects.

Takaichi, leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), recently made history as Japan’s 104th Prime Minister and the country’s first female leader. Her rise to the top was made possible through a last-minute alliance with the Japan Innovation Party, commonly known as Ishin — a party that has consistently championed the development of integrated resorts.

Although Takaichi has yet to publicly declare her official position on IR policy, her political history and close association with Abe point toward likely support. As Abe’s former Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications, Takaichi had endorsed his administration’s initiative to promote IRs as a driver for tourism and foreign investment.

Abe had previously described tourism as “a multiplying catalyst for vitalising local economies.” In 2016, his government introduced the Integrated Resort Promotion Law to “promote resorts offering leisure and recreation services all in one place, which will attract visitors from all over the world.”

Two years later, in 2018, Japan’s Diet formally approved the development of up to three integrated resorts, leaving the door open for future expansion. However, enthusiasm for the projects diminished during the Covid-19 pandemic, which halted the bidding process and delayed progress. So far, only one IR project — MGM Osaka — has received official approval and is currently being constructed on Yumeshima Island.

Momentum has begun to return following the appointment of new Gaming Commissioners in December last year, rekindling expectations for the resumption of the bidding process. With Takaichi now leading the government and her coalition’s explicit support for integrated resorts, industry observers are increasingly optimistic that Japan’s casino development plans may finally move forward after years of stagnation. 

By fLEXI tEAM