Japan’s three IR license candidates are preparing their plans to submit to the central government for consideration next year, with the coast now looking clear from any potential political hiccups, such as the one that derailed Yokohama’s aspirations in August.

The outcome of the Japan national elections is positive news for the country's IR industry and in particular for the changes of the MGM Resorts/Orix consortium in Osaka after surprise gains by the Ishin To Party.

A group of citizens in Wakayama is seeking to gather enough signatures to petition for a referendum on plans to host an IR in the city.

Japan said it will ease border controls for business travellers from next Monday, cutting the quarantine period to three days from 10 days.