Operator News

Japan – Caesars publishes five blueprints for Japan

By Phil - 28 September 2018

Caesars Entertainment has published its blueprints for five Integrated Resorts in Japan in Hokkaido, Yokohama, Tokyo, Osaka and Okinawa.

In Yokohama, it wants to build an IR called The Yokohama Art & Culture Park and Entertainment Resort on Yamashita Pier, resembling a wave to reflect its coastal location on the Pacific.

Architecturally, it is inspired by The Great Wave of Kanagawa, a woodblock print by the Japanese Ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai.

Kengo Nishimura, Head of Government & Community Relations for Caesars Japan, said: “Yokohama is a city where the West and East have long intersected and is today a creative city of art and culture. The thinking is to spread waves of art, culture, and entertainment to the world.”

He added that Caesars ‘was not doing anything to narrow down which city’ at this stage of the process.’
The Hokkaido resort would be built in a forest and offer luxury camping facilities.

Steven Tight, Caesars’ President of International Development, said: “It would be a fascinating opportunity for us if the governor were to support an integrated resort, because Okinawa would be a tremendous destination for tourism.”
The planned resort in Osaka, a city famed for its pharmaceutical and medical device industries, would act as a medical tourism destination.

Referring to working with local partners, Mr. Tight added that Caesars ‘does not require majority stakes as some competitors might’ but that it hopes to oversee decisions on guest experience whilst respecting the freedom for ‘Japanese investors to address their own objectives.’

It unveiled the artists impressions at press conference to launch a new ‘100-Year Partner For Japan’ campaign, symbolising its aspiration to develop long-term partnerships with Japan and nurture the IR sector together with the local community.

The ‘100-Year Partner For Japan’ campaign was designed to bring Caesars Entertainment’s vision to life, evoking its eight decades of experience in the development and operation of IRs and the lasting relationship forged with Japan.
Caesars said of the logo: “The traditional brushstroke motif in red positions Japan at the forefront and interlocks with the iconic Caesars laurel to symbolise an alignment of purpose for ‘Japanese Entertainment Resorts’, the local community, and Japanese society. To further highlight this integration, the two elements change colours as they intersect, combining as one to create a stronger, successful synergy.”

William Shen, Senior Vice President & Managing Director of Caesars Entertainment Japan, said: “Caesars’ priority is to promote our company’s strengths as a trusted, transparent, and transformative partner for Japan. Our ‘100-Year Partner for Japan’ campaign represents the alignment of all elements of our pursuit of Japan cooperation, both over the past 15 years and far into the future. Our core objective is to be a valuable member of the community and to build mutual trust and respect, starting with a deep understanding of Japan. Caesars’ Japan activities are led locally in Japan, and our success relies heavily on the collaborative partnerships we establish.”

Alongside its 80 years’ experience in the development and operation of IRs, Caesars Entertainment is also a pioneer in Responsible Gaming, and is the most collaborative operator in the industry. Utilizing this track record, Caesars Entertainment and its on-the-ground Japanese team will work to align with stakeholders who share a vision for a Japanese IR partnership that truly reflects the best of Japan.