Operator News

Japan – Huis Ten Bosch casino resort would need investment of US$3.2bn to US$4.2bn

By Phil - 11 January 2021

The Japanese coastal city of Nagasaki has launched its request-for-proposal (RFP) process for companies interested in developing an Integrated Resort casino at the Huis Ten Bosch theme park in Sasebo city. Nagasaki Vice-Governor Ken Hirata said the investment needed would be between US$3.2bn to US$4.2bn.

A decision on who would operate the future resort is expected by the summer.

Vice-Governor Hirata said: “Nagasaki Prefecture itself is not in a position to state how much the total investment will be, and the optimal investment amount will be based on the operators’ proposals. One thing to note, Nagasaki’s IR site is next to the Huis Ten Bosch theme park, which has been in operation for over 20 years. Their business operation will of course be independent from the IR, but there are merits for investing to develop an area that is next to an existing tourist site.
He added: “The national government has put emphasis on track record of casino operation. I also believe that casino operation track record in an international market is ideal. However, this is something that applies anywhere in Japan. As for Nagasaki, we have expectations for positive contribution to local economy and employment. Furthermore, we have the support of the whole Kyushu region, so we would like to see proposals that have Kyushu in mind as well.
“The proposal should include various ways to expand tourism.Tourism in the Kyushu region and western Japan should be addressed, contributing to the local economy by purchasing local ingredients and products.

The named runners and riders so far are Oshidori International Holdings, Casinos Austria, Pixel Companyz in collaboration with French casino group Partouche, and a consortium made up of Get Nice Holdings and Current Corp.

Two more unmade operators are believed to be US-based casino groups with another unnamed casino operator based in Asia. The have been described as ‘mid-size’ ruling out the giants such as Las Vegas Sands, MGM, Melco etc but have all expressed interest previously in other Japanese locations before opting for Nagasaki.

French casino operator Partouche and Japanese energy company Pixel Companyz would work with renowned architect Paul Steelman to design their project.

Pixel Companyz CEO Hiroaki Yoshida said: “Nagasaki is the optimal site for an integrated resort in Japan. Sasebo city, where the development site is located, is a beautiful seaport city rich in history and international culture. The prefecture has seen support for integrated resort development from both the prefectural and municipal councils, and also the private sector in the business communities of the Kyushu region.”

“We see Nagasaki as a great opportunity to create a unique regional resort that suits the strengths of the region and our consortium. We look to create an integrated resort that will promote regional tourism and businesses, will revitalise the local community and bring out the best of local and international culture,” he added.
“We plan to expand through various alliances with leading overseas companies in the industry, Japanese regional companies in related fields and domestic and overseas investment companies. Pixel Companyz aims to connect Japan to the world and showcase the best of the country by forming this consortium and deeply rooting ourselves into the Japanese IR industry.”

Casinos Austria International has said its project could include a Viennese Philharmonic Orchestra as a permanent fixture. The casino spa would have a special emphasis on state-of-the-art medical treatment.

Casinos Austria International Japan’s Managing Director Akio Hayashi previously described the plans as ‘amazing’ adding they had not been ‘seen elsewhere in the world.’ He emphasised that CAI wasn’t looking to replicate the ‘gaudiness of Las Vegas or Macau’ but that it wanted to create a ‘European-style IR’ to suit a regional city with MICE as a key.

Only four locations have so far officially put themselves forward for an IR with Nagasaki in competition with Osaka, Wakayama and Yokohama.