The Inside Asian Gaming’s video series, ‘Trade Talk’ looks into Nagasaki’s aspirations for an integrated resort in Japan while also looking at why Nagasaki wants an IR, addressing some of the issues raised by candidate operators. 

What is it?

The Japanese government is currently going through the process of legalising IRs with casinos in Japan and will issue up to three licences across the country, with Nagasaki one of the locations currently in the race to receive a license. Nagasaki has an island development plan in their tourism plans, the session discusses the tourism opportunities in Nagasaki.

Since the publishing of the Nagasaki IR scheme, which outlined the basic concept based on discussions held by an expert committee, studies have been conducted to formulate the basic scheme that is to include more specific efforts based on the aforementioned outline, gathering opinions from residents and related business operators. 

As part of Inside Asian Gaming Trade Talk Andrew W Scott speaks with Ken Hirata, Vice Governor of Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, about Nagasaki Prefecture’s ambitions for an integrated resort (IR) at Huis Ten Bosch at Sasebo City in Nagasaki. 

Who is it?

Ken Hirata, Vice Governor, Nagasaki Prefecture Japan

Andrew W Scott, Vice Chairman and CEO, Inside Asian Gaming

What is being said?

Hirata: “There is Huis Ten Bosch, a famous tourist site that already welcomes many international visitors, and serious discussions to bring an IR to this area began over 10 years ago. 

“Since then, the discussions that started from Sasebo city moved on to Nagasaki prefecture, and the prefectural government has been moving forward with the process.

“I believe that IRs are extremely important for the development of international tourism in Japan.

“Nagasaki, which is in the far west of Japan, has a close proximity to Asia, and is a gateway to Japan that is right in front of a large Asain tourism market. 

“By building an IR in Nagasaki, we will be able to attract many visitors from Asia, as well as North America, Europe and Oceania and we will be able to spread the appeal and charms of Nagasaki, Kyushu and Japan to a great number of people.

“Nagasaki prefecture, by officially pursuing and developing an integrated resort that includes a casino, will be able to increase regular visitation numbers and also MICE visitation.”

Why should I watch it?

An interesting look at the casino developments in Japan. 

Where can I see more?

Source: Inside Asian Gaming YouTube Channel