Japan’s Casino Regulatory Commission Welcomes New Leadership Ahead of MGM Osaka’s Grand Opening
Japan’s Diet Approves New Members for Casino Regulatory Commission
Tokyo, Japan – December 18, 2024
Japan’s parliament, known as the Diet, has officially approved the appointment of three new members to the Japan Casino Regulatory Commission, a key body overseeing the nation’s integrated resort (IR) development related to casino operations. This decision was made on Tuesday, as the government moves forward with the establishment and governance of casino resorts within the country.
The new members will commence their terms on January 7, 2025, as confirmed by information gathered by GGRAsia’s Japan correspondent. Notably, Takafumi Sato, who has held the position of superintendent prosecutor at the Takamatsu High Public Prosecutors Office, will step into the role of commission chair, succeeding Michio Kitamura, the former superintendent prosecutor at the Fukuoka High Public Prosecutors Office.
Leadership Changes and Continuity
The reshuffling of the commission members reflects a routine rotation, as members are typically appointed for five-year terms. Established in January 2020, the regulatory commission plays a vital role in shaping the landscape of Japan’s casino industry.
Joining Sato on the commission is Junichi Kakimizu, who previously served as the head of the National Tax College under the National Tax Agency. Michiko Watari, a psychiatrist and original member since the commission’s establishment, will be reappointed for another term.
Hiroyuki Ujikane, another founding member and former head of the Nagoya Regional Taxation Bureau, is set to step down alongside Kitamura. Both Ujikane and Kitamura have been instrumental in the regulatory process since the commission’s inception.
Ongoing Developments in Japan’s Casino Landscape
Presently, two members are continuing their terms: Hirofumi Kitamura, a former director at the National Police Agency who began his role in January 2023, and Keiko Ishikawa, an economics professor at Nihon University, also taking office at the same time.
In conjunction with the recent changes in the commission, Nagasaki Prefecture has noted that it received a “questionnaire” from the Japan Tourism Agency regarding the country’s integrated resort policies. This development follows Nagasaki being passed over by authorities as a host for a casino in prior selections. However, the local government has indicated that there is no set timeline for any upcoming application rounds in which prefectures could apply to host integrated resorts.
Future of Casino Resorts in Japan
As the regulatory framework becomes more defined, Japan’s first and only casino resort, MGM Osaka, is projected to open its doors in late 2030. This ambitious development marks a significant milestone in Japan’s evolving approach toward legalized gambling and integrated resort entertainment.
The approval of new members to the Japan Casino Regulatory Commission signifies a proactive step toward ensuring that the regulatory environment remains robust and well-equipped to handle the complex issues surrounding casino operations and integrated resorts in Japan.
As the nation navigates through this evolving gaming landscape, the effects of these appointments may have significant implications for both local governments seeking to host casinos and for the broader tourism industry.