Inside Asian Gaming

IAG JAPAN MAY 2021 86 JAPAN According to Kitagaki, IGS was meant to open in Osaka in April 2020 but the opening date was pushed back as COVID-19 began to spread around the world. Ahead of the new July 2021 opening date, IGS is pushing its international standards program and the opportunity for students to learn the latest in global dealing skills. With partnerships with other casino schools in Las Vegas and Italy, there is also the opportunity to participate in short-term “study abroad” programs after graduating from the Japan school. This is the company’s “outlet strategy” and is one of its major focus points. Aside from its links to Marina Bay Sands and Genting Cruise Lines, the school also has a relationship with Estonia thanks to former Grand Sumo Ozeki (sumo wrestler of the second highest rank) Baruto Kaito (Kaido Höövelson), who currently serves as a diet member in the northern European nation. In April, 10 students taught by Kitagaki traveled to Estonia where he says they are already working as dealers. GROWING TREND In preparation for an IR opening, the Osaka Wedding & Hotel/IR Vocational School (Jikei School of Hospitality), run by the Jikei Group, opened in April 2020 as the first IR course at a vocational school. Along with learning general casino operations and gaming methods, students are trained in a range of skills required to work in the global hospitality and entertainment fields. Besides Osaka, the Jikei Group is establishing IR courses in Tokyo and Fukuoka, which include study abroad programs at the College of Southern Nevada. Likewise, IR Gaming Institute Japan, located in