Japan’s Tourism Agency has announced that it will accept additional applications from local governments seeking to host integrated resort (IR) developments that include casino gaming.

According to multiple media reports, the new application window will remain open for six months, beginning on May 6, 2027, and closing on November 5, 2027.

Public Consultations Ahead

Earlier this week, the Japan Tourism Agency—an external bureau established in 2008 under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism—released a draft Cabinet order outlining the new application period for interested municipalities.

The draft is currently undergoing public consultation. Following this review period, it is expected to be formally adopted as a regulation in line with the country’s Integrated Resorts Act.

Limited Interest Expected

Only a small number of local governments are expected to participate in the new round, including Hokkaido and Nagasaki. Nagasaki previously took part in the initial bidding process but was unsuccessful due to concerns over its financing plan and limited experience operating large-scale IR projects.

Two Licenses Still Available

Under the IR Development Act, Japan may authorize up to three IR locations nationwide. One license has already been awarded to MGM’s Osaka project, which is currently under construction.

The Osaka IR is projected to cost approximately $8.6 billion and will be developed on 52 acres of Yumeshima, a 700-acre artificial island in Osaka Bay. The resort will feature three hotels operated by different brands, offering a combined 2,500 rooms, along with 730,000 square feet of convention space. The casino component will occupy roughly 3% of the total indoor area.

With one license already allocated, two IR licenses remain available in the upcoming application round.

Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner Shigeki Murata described the development and promotion of IRs as a key driver of stay-based tourism, calling it “an important step toward becoming a tourism-oriented nation.”