Japan: Aichi Receives Applications for Airport Integrated Resort

Participation Documents Submitted by September Deadline

Aichi Prefecture confirmed on October 7 that private-sector participants had submitted the required documentation before the September 30 deadline. Authorities have not disclosed either the number or names of applications, citing the importance of maintaining fair competition throughout the selection process.

The prefecture launched its request-for-proposal process on April 1, seeking to assess the feasibility of the project and identify a private-sector partner to develop and operate the proposed casino resort.

The selection schedule includes competitive dialogue with applicants through the winter of 2026–27. Applicants will then undergo eligibility screening, while an expert committee will evaluate their detailed proposals before Aichi selects its preferred operator.

The prefecture revised the original timetable in June, extending the participation deadline from July 31 to September 30. The deadline for submitting detailed proposals, previously described only as falling around winter, has now been formally set for March 23, 2027.

IR Planned for Airport Island

The proposed integrated resort would cover approximately 50 hectares in Tokoname City, on the island where Chubu Centrair International Airport is located.

Aichi's development policy calls for the existing Aichi Sky Expo exhibition center to be incorporated into a broader resort featuring a casino, hotels, conference facilities and entertainment venues.

The project is part of the prefecture's strategy to establish an international tourism hub focused on meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE).

Aichi resumed feasibility studies for the IR in February after previous investigations were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The prefecture subsequently gathered feedback from private-sector companies before launching the formal proposal process.

Operator to Bear Project Costs

Under the tender requirements, the IR operating agreement would remain in effect for 35 years following national certification of the district development plan. Any extension would require approval from the prefectural government.

The selected operator would generally be responsible for the project's costs, including expenses related to land use.

Once a private-sector partner has been selected, Aichi Prefecture and the operator will jointly develop the IR district development plan. Before the plan can be submitted to the national government, it will require consent from Tokoname City and the prefectural public safety commission, as well as approval from the prefectural assembly.

Japan Sets Next IR Application Window

The proposed Aichi development is being pursued ahead of Japan's next national application window for integrated resort development plans.

The next submission period is scheduled to run from May 6 to November 5, 2027, providing Aichi with a defined timeframe to advance its proposal and secure the necessary approvals.