MGM Resorts and Orix Corp.'s $9 billion Osaka IR in are in line with what the government had envisaged. Wakayama has officially approved Clairvest Neem Venture’s plans to develop an integrated resort in the city.

The governor of Osaka Prefecture stated on Wednesday that they are considering implementing a fixed fee for foreign visitors, potentially aligning it with the commencement of the World Expo in western Japan in April 2025.

Japan’s intention was always to have three IR locations and it would make most sense to reopen the license application process to allow new entrants, says industry consultant Joji Kokuryo.

Japanese travel agency H.I.S is planning to sell the Huis Ten Bosch theme park, but the transfer should not affect plans to host an IR at the site, Nikkei Asia reports.

Shares in MGM Resorts gained on Tuesday after the company posted stronger-than-expected 1Q22 earnings, helped by its U.S. operations, as Macau continues to lag.

Wakayama will exit from the bid for an IR license in Japan after its prefectural assembly voted against its development plan, while Nagasaki won the backing of its local legislators.

The Osaka City Council has passed a bill approving plans to host an integrated resort, allowing the Osaka Prefecture to submit its plans to the central government by the April 28th deadline.

A planned integrated resort on the site of the Huis Ten Bosch theme park in Japan’s Nagasaki Prefecture will cost about JPY438.3 billion ($3.7 billion) and will open in 2027.

Thailand has been on the radar of major operators for decades due to its already strong tourism industry and infrastructure.

The mayor of Kuwana City in Japan’s Mie Prefecture has decided to take advantage of a recent change in political leadership to request an IR bid.