(AsiaGameHub) – Japan’s Aichi Prefecture has revealed plans to develop one of the nation’s first licensed integrated casino resorts (IRs), pending approval.
Aichi’s prefectural officials state they are seeking an operator to construct the IR on roughly 50 hectares of “usable land” on Chubu Centrair International Airport Island.
This man-made island already houses a major air terminal.
The winning IR operator will receive an initial 35-year lease, per the prefecture’s press release.
Aichi Prefecture has announced that applications are now open for companies looking to build and operate the IR.
Aichi Prefecture, Japan: Open for IR Operator Applications
The prefecture noted it will accept applications until July 31. It will then select a potential operator between fall 2026 and spring 2027, before finalizing its bid and submitting it to the central government.
The central government has already approved a bid for an IR in Osaka. Construction on the Osaka IR began late last year, with U.S.-based operator MGM partnering with Japanese firm Orix on the project.
The provisionally named MGM Osaka is set to open in 2030. Tokyo aims to approve up to two more IR bids by next year, but most Japanese prefectures have shown reluctance—Aichi being the exception.
Foreign firms are closely monitoring the situation. Last month, Bally’s Corporation said it would invest in Japan’s casino-resort sector if given the opportunity.
Bally’s chairman Soo Kim has previously expressed interest in launching an IR in Fukuoka.
Aichi reported conducting a feasibility study with 15 private businesses between February 25 and March 19.
The prefecture requires the future operator to purchase the existing Aichi International Exhibition Center, and the initial 35-year permit will be extendable.
The prefecture will also retain a buyback clause that takes effect at the end of the 35-year term.
Conference Center Aspirations
Aichi specifies the operator must agree to build a state-of-the-art conference center at the site.
The plans state the site can host no more than one casino, which may make up no more than 3% of the IR’s total floor area.
The prefecture expects the operator to develop hotel and tourism facilities covering at least 100,000 square meters.
Meanwhile, Japanese police say they are struggling to remove illegal online casino-related web pages and social media posts, despite recent crackdowns.
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