Hard Rock Reaffirms Japan IR Licensing Pursuit

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Hokkaido, Japan as licensing pursuit amps up

US tribal casino operator Hard Rock International reiterated its licensing pursuit of a Japanese Integrated Resort (IR) license after the Japan Tourism Agency published a draft Cabinet order opening a new municipal application window from May 6 to November 5, 2027.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hard Rock Japan expresses ongoing interest in Japan’s upcoming IR license rounds
  • New municipal application window opens from May 2027, potentially awarding two licenses
  • Industry focuses on Hokkaido and Nagasaki as likely bidders, with environmental and land cost challenges

Licensing Pursuit Remains Active Despite Past Delays

Only local governments may apply and must partner with private operators if selected, leaving room for established global operators to team with host municipalities.

Ado Machida, president of Hard Rock Japan, told IAG the company remained committed to Japan. “We at Hard Rock are very pleased that a new round of national licenses is being conducted,” he said, stressing plans to build “a world-class premier destination resort for the Japanese market, with the ever-increasing number of international travelers.”

Hard Rock has long identified Hokkaido as its primary target, opening an office in Tomakomai in 2018, and has continued engagement even when local officials previously paused bids for environmental reasons.

Industry Interest Rebuilds as Municipal Appetite Returns

Renewed interest in Hokkaido and Nagasaki as likely bidders and local political shifts and economic priorities have revived municipal appetite to use IRs to spur tourism and private investment. This comes against a backdrop of earlier decisions in which Hokkaido once withdrew from Japan’s first round of IR bidding due to timing and environmental concerns.

Analysts caution environmental opposition and high land costs remain material obstacles; Hard Rock has been reported to seek local real estate or construction partners to strengthen any bid, underscoring that the licensing pursuit reflects intent rather than a secured path to license award.