Inside Asian Gaming

IAG JAPAN AUG 2019 56 COLUMNISTS It is difficult to find the best words or phrasing that works equally well in both languages. In order for the Japan market to succeed, it is imperative that nothing gets lost in translation . 両方の言語で同じくらい上手く伝わる最適な単語や言い回しを見つけるのは難し い。日本市場でこの業界が成功するためには、翻訳・通訳の中で失われるものがな いということが絶対条件だ。 D uring this year’s Japan Gaming Congress (JgC), attendees were informed on a series of topics ranging from public perceptions of integrated resorts (IRs), non-gaming topics including F&B and entertainment, and the vision that operators participating in the event have crafted for the market. One of the things that became even more apparent was how much vital information can be lost in the translation from Japanese to English, or vice versa, between speakers and officials attending the event. Even the smallest difference in the selections of words canmake a world of difference in how regulations, the vision and the feasibility of the three initial IRs will be decided over the coming months. Part of the reason the market is where it is today is that it is difficult to find the best words or phrasing that works equally well in both languages. In order for the Japan market to succeed, it is imperative that nothing gets lost in translation so the market is established in the best framework for IRs that the world has developed since Singapore launched its process in the mid-2000s. One thing not lost in translation is the continued desire of the Japanese to drive tourism with a focus on the expansion of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions). They have also expressed from the beginning the desire for IRs to serve as a hub for tourism to reach other parts of Japan, and the original IR Promotion Act passed in December 2016 served as the catalyst. However, one of the keys to the future of the Japan gaming market will be the establishment of the 300- plus regulations that will eventually be decided by the future Casino Control Commission, which will consist of over 90 employees and a budget of over JPY$6 billion (US$55 million). The process of establishing the Commission continues to move forward, even though the timeline has been delayed by a few months as the announcement of the Commissioners to the Casino Control Commission has been pushed back.