Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) published a policy statement that the country aims to introduce a new tax measure, which would exempt non-resident players from paying...
Hard Rock plans to apply for 2027 IR license in Japan
On December 17, 2025, the Japan Tourism Agency announced that bidding for integrated resorts will be open between May and November 2027, as Hard Rock International plans to apply for a license.
In 2018, Japan passed legislation to authorize up to three integrated resorts in the country. Only one application was approved in 2023, an $8.9 billion joint project between MGM Osaka and Orix Corp, which broke ground in April 2025 and is expected to open in 2030.
In December 2024, Japan’s government approved the appointment of new gaming commissioners, which sparked hope for a new bidding process for integrated resort licenses.
Earlier, Hokkaido had plans of bidding with partner Hard Rock; however, Governor Naomichi Suzuki declined to support a bid when endangered bird habitats were discovered in the chosen destination.
The governor has since changed his perspective, saying:
“Circumstances are changing. We view IR as a potential project that could contribute to Hokkaido’s development by attracting private investment and boosting tourism-related spending.”
The proposed project would fully transform the chosen area, with construction plans of building a guitar-shaped hotel, a Four Seasons resort, and a Hard Rock Live venue.
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