Japan’s Oto town plans to submit its integrated resort (IR) proposal to Fukuoka prefecture in October and seek to have it brought before the prefectural assembly in December, ahead of the country’s next national application round.
According to local media reports, Mayor Joji Nagahara outlined the timetable on October 6th, saying the town had secured support from residents and a degree of backing from neighboring municipalities.
Oto’s town assembly had unanimously passed a resolution supporting the initiative. However, a September 30th residents’ briefing drew mixed responses, including concerns over gambling addiction and potential burdens on residents.
The mayor of neighboring Soeda also questioned whether the necessary preparations could be completed within the proposed timeframe.
Prefectural backing needed
Oto cannot apply directly to the national government. Under Japan’s IR framework, prefectures or designated major cities must jointly prepare and submit an area development plan with a private-sector partner for approval by the national government.
The town therefore needs Fukuoka prefecture to take the proposal forward. The December assembly timetable remains a goal set by Nagahara.
The Japan Tourism Agency confirmed in March that the next application window will run from May 6th to November 5th, 2027. Japan allows up to three approved IR areas, with only Osaka’s Yumeshima project approved so far, leaving room for two more.
Oto’s proposal forms part of an effort to revive the former coal-mining community and the surrounding Tagawa area. The town’s October newsletter said its population had fallen from more than 11,000 at its peak to 4,766 in preliminary 2025 census results.
The proposed resort would include a casino, hotels, restaurants and entertainment facilities. An operator had yet to be selected, with Nagahara seeking to attract overseas companies and secure private funding.
Fukuoka’s governor has taken a cautious stance, saying the proposal requires consideration of its tourism, economic and social implications.
