The Japanese Minister in charge of economic security, Sanae Takaichi, has called for the postponement of the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo.
The official emphasizes that prioritizing the reconstruction of areas affected by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake is essential.
According to reports, the minister made the request on Saturday. Takaichi also informed Prime Minister Fumio Kishida earlier this month that construction companies have called for the Expo’s postponement due to a shortage of both materials and workers needed to restore the areas affected by the earthquake.
Japan’s first casino project is located right next to the Osaka Expo site, Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka Bay.
Based on the latest projection, MGM’s casino resort, Japan’s first casino, will only open in the Autumn of 2030, five years after the Osaka Expo.
The casino project involves an investment which could reach up to $8.5 billion.