Inside Asian Gaming

IAG JAPAN MAY 2020 52 TY: What can we expect from an Osaka IR? NS: I believe that whether or not anOsaka IRwill succeed depends on how many people’s faces it brings smiles to after opening. In my activities so far, I’ve learned that the local people are wanting an opportunity to interact with the operators. They are very positive about supporting their communities and positive about accepting things that help to build up those communities and give back to the regions. They don’t want the World Expo or an IR just because of the economic benefits. What they want is a partner that will work together with the people to build up the region. There is still time before an Osaka IR will come to be. IR operators are spending most of their efforts on providing opportunities for the local people to gain a better understanding about the casino industry, which has never existed in Japan. I believe it is mutual communication that will lead to a deeper understanding of and by the local residents. TY: What will be the key point in this endeavor? JAPAN NS: Themost important thing is to use the opening of an IR tocreateamindset of buildingup thecommunity and city in cooperation with a new industry. Due to the effects of COVID-19, the flow of tourists to world destinations has come to a halt. There is no sign of the COVID-19 crisis being resolved anytime soon, but I believe that recovery of the world economy will come through human interaction and travel. Osaka Mayor Ichiro Matsui suggested that the schedule for the official IR bidding process may be postponed due to difficulty in keeping in contact with MGM Resorts due to the pandemic, but I don’t believe this lowers any expectations for an Osaka IR. Of course, it’s difficult to discuss the future of a Japanese IR at this time. The application deadline set by the national government is still July 2021 and no extension has been announced thus far. The first thing we all need to do as individuals is overcome this crisis - do whatever we can to reach the end of this crisis as soon as possible and go back to our communities living happy lives.