Inside Asian Gaming

IAG JAPAN DEC 2020 86 opinions and the national policy. The prefecture has also determined, “There is a possibility that the impact on animal and plant life can be avoided or reduced.” The prospective location covers approximately 100 hectares, is outside of the places where rare birds of prey are nesting and is within a 10-minute drive from New Chitose Airport. There was also confirmation that in the public offering for operators, there will likely be conditions such as an implementation policy to establish roads, independent environmental measures, and “development within an area of 50 hectares.” The prospective operator will be required to conduct more detailed environmental surveys. BACK TO THE STARTING LINE All of this shapes as potentially very good news for supporters of an IR development in Tomakomai City. While there is currently no budget compilation in Hokkaido for an IR and the official focus is on town revitalization, starting with the ports, the region has a historical interest in IRs and plenty of simulation experience. Preparations should not be a problem. Tomakomai’s attempt at an IR bid all started with the city’s mayoral election in 2014. Hirofumi Iwakura was the winner in that race and established the International Resort Strategy department in 2017, which saw IR operators such as Hard Rock, Mohegan, Rush Street and Clairvest set up offices on Main Street near the city hall. Hearing the news of the governor’s decision last year, Mayor Iwakura said with disappointment, “All I can say is that it is very unfortunate. Frankly, I just have this feeling of why?” One year later, the city appears to be resetting its position all the way back to the starting line. WHAT’S NEXT FOR HOKKAIDO? Will resolution of this environmental issue be enough to breathe life back into Hokkaido’s IR dream? JAPAN Hokkaido’s Mt Yotei. 北海道の羊蹄山