Yokohama mayoral candidate Kazuma Nakatani has pledged to keep casinos out of the Japanese city and pursue a local ordinance banning them if elected, Japanese regional newspaper Kanagawa Shimbun reported.
Nakatani, a former Japanese lawmaker, announced his independent candidacy on September 12th. The newspaper said he wanted to discuss a casino prohibition ordinance with the city assembly and seek its passage during his term.
He said the measure would aim to prevent procedures for casino development from advancing without residents’ knowledge.
Local television broadcaster tvk also reported that Nakatani had pledged to maintain Yokohama’s policy of not pursuing casino development. His campaign commitments included measures to eliminate harassment.
The Constitutional Democratic Party’s Kanagawa chapter decided on September 14th to support his independent candidacy.
The election follows the resignation of former mayor Takeharu Yamanaka. Official campaigning begins on October 4th, with voting scheduled for October 18th.
Yamanaka announced his decision to resign on August 28th amid controversy over his treatment of city employees. At the press conference, he apologized for damaging public trust and disrupting the administration.
He acknowledged that his commitment to advancing policies did not excuse his inappropriate words and conduct toward staff. Three city assembly groups had called for his resignation on August 14th, he said.
Yamanaka had ended Yokohama’s earlier pursuit of an integrated resort after winning office on an anti-IR platform in 2021. Local newspaper Shin-Yokohama Shimbun reported at the time that the city halted its operator selection process that September.
The decision prompted Genting Singapore to withdraw from the Yokohama project. Melco Resorts & Entertainment subsequently confirmed its withdrawal and the closure of its Yokohama office.
