Suguru Kanazawa, the mayor of Tomakomai in Hokkaido, has officially confirmed that the city will respond affirmatively to a recent survey from the prefectural government regarding the establishment of an integrated resort (IR) featuring a casino. During a press briefing, he stated the city is "interested in having an IR" and emphasized its willingness to collaborate with neighboring municipalities to fortify the region's bid.

Hokkaido Reopens IR Dialogue Through Prefectural Survey

This marks the first time since 2019 that Hokkaido has conducted such a consultation with its municipalities. Earlier that year, the prefecture had decided not to participate in Japan’s first wave of IR applications. The survey, distributed in early August with a deadline at the end of the month, was shaped as a questionnaire inviting responses on whether local governments would be interested in seeing IRs in their jurisdictions—and across Hokkaido as a whole.

Tomakomai’s Strategic Position and Longstanding IR Aspirations

Tomakomai has long been on Hokkaido's radar as an IR candidate. As far back as April 2019, it was listed among three priority locations—alongside Kushiro City and Rusutsu Village—for IR consideration under the region’s basic policy. Mayor Kanazawa reiterated in February 2025 that the city continues its preparatory work toward realizing its IR ambitions, reaffirming its status as a mature and forward-leaning contender.

Broader National Context and the Path Ahead

Currently, Japan’s only approved IR project is the colossal MGM Osaka development (valued at JPY 1.27 trillion / approximately US$8.6 billion), scheduled to open in 2030. Meanwhile, national officials have hinted that a fresh round of IR applications may be “not far off,” potentially leading to the approval of two additional sites by the end of 2027. With these timelines in view, Tomakomai’s proactive posture positions it well for consideration in the next phase of Japan’s IR rollout.