Hokkaido Governor Naomichi Suzuki has formally requested that Japan’s central government investigate the outcome of the country’s first round of Integrated Resort (IR) bids, which concluded with Osaka as the sole approved location.
Speaking at a media conference, Suzuki urged Tokyo to clarify why other contenders, such as Nagasaki, were rejected, and why major hubs like Yokohama and Wakayama failed to submit bids at all.
Seeking a “Hokkaido-Style” Model
The comments of the Governor of Hokkaido come as Hokkaido reactivates its own IR ambitions ahead of the next bidding window, scheduled from May 6 to November 5, 2027. Suzuki emphasized the need for the national government to recognize diverse IR models that suit regional areas, rather than forcing a “one-size-fits-all” metropolitan standard.
The prefecture is currently refining its unique “Hokkaido-Style” concept, which aims to harmonize tourism development with the region’s specific environmental and social needs.
Expert Panel Convenes
To support this renewed push, Hokkaido held the first meeting of its nine-member expert panel on Saturday. The group, comprising specialists in business, tourism, and addiction prevention, is tasked with outlining the ideal scale and function of a regional IR.
While economic representatives expressed optimism about the potential for growth, addiction experts stressed the importance of robust safeguards. A follow-up session is already slated for February 3 to further solidify the prefecture’s stance.
A Second Chance for Regional Japan
With MGM Osaka’s $9.57 billion resort not expected to open until late 2030, Hokkaido sees an opportunity to present a distinct alternative. Suzuki reiterated that a successful bid must diverge from the high-density urban models seen elsewhere, focusing instead on community fit and sustainable growth.
“I think that the government needs to examine the reasons behind that,” Suzuki stated regarding the lack of competition in the first round, adding that the prefecture “continues to advance work on ‘the basic stance on IR of Hokkaido Prefecture’ and the ‘Hokkaido-Style IR concept.'”
