Japan's Aichi Prefecture Launches Tender for Integrated Casino Resort on Airport Island

Under the timeline for the RFP process released by the prefectural government, interested private-sector parties must submit “participation statements” by July 31.

A dialogue phase will run until September, ahead of a final proposal submission deadline expected in the autumn.

Authorities will subsequently evaluate bids, designating a preferred candidate and a runner-up.

In February, Aichi’s prefectural authorities announced they were resuming efforts to join Japan’s next round of applications to host an IR.

The newly-announced RFO results suggested a degree of interest in Aichi as a potential IR host. Four entities – names undisclosed – indicated their willingness to act as principal developers and operators of an Aichi IR, while a further 11 organisations submitted opinions citing relevant expertise or technical know-how.

On March 10, Aichi prefecture launched a separate tender to appoint a contractor for fiscal 2026 research into the potential establishment of an IR on the airport island.

The MGM Osaka scheme was the sole result of Japan’s first-round process for local governments to bid to host an IR.

MGM Osaka – promoted by U.S.-based casino operator MGM Resorts International in partnership with Japanese financial services firm Orix Corp and other local business interests – is due to launch at the end of 2030. Its cost is currently estimated at JPY1.51 trillion (US$9.45 billion).

A national-level Cabinet Order confirmed on March 10 that the application period for a second round of IR bids will run from May to November 2027.

During the first national application round, which concluded in December 2023, the Aichi authorities considered submitting a proposal but ultimately withdrew in 2022.

At the time, the governor Hideaki Omura, said the decision was due to disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Mr Omura is currently serving his fourth term as governor of Aichi prefecture.

The prefecture is in the central Chubu region on the Pacific coast of Japan’s main island, Honshu. Its capital, Nagoya, is among the four largest Japanese cities by population.