Japan has officially started building its first integrated resort on Yumeshima Island in Osaka Bay. The project is part of a national plan to boost tourism and support local economies, with construction beginning in April 2025 and the opening set for Autumn 2030.
This major project—called the “Specified Integrated Resort”—aims to create a modern tourist hotspot with hotels, casinos, convention centers, and entertainment facilities. The resort will be located on Yumeshima, a man-made island in Osaka, and is expected to attract millions of visitors once completed.
A Response to Global Competition
Japan’s move follows successful examples in countries like Singapore and Macau, where integrated resorts have generated billions in tourism revenue. Experts in Japan believe that legalizing casinos can help the country stay competitive in the global tourism market.
Business leaders and academics have pushed for years to legalize integrated resorts in Japan. Their goal is to bring in more tourists and generate new jobs and tax revenue. After years of discussion, the Japanese government finally approved the plan to move forward.
“This project marks a turning point in Japan’s tourism and leisure industry,” said a spokesperson from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
Backed by New Laws
Japan’s integrated resort policy is guided by two major laws:
The Act on Promotion of Development of Specified Integrated Resort Districts (2016)
This law lays out the basic ideas for developing areas where integrated resorts will be built. It allows for the inclusion of:
- Casinos
- Hotels
- Convention and exhibition centers
- Entertainment venues
- Shopping areas
- Cultural spaces
These facilities will be run by private companies. The government will select resort locations based on how well the area can attract tourists and how profits will benefit local communities.
The Act on Development of Specified Integrated Resort Districts (2018)
This law goes deeper into how resorts will be built and operated. It covers:
- Rules for casino operations
- Oversight and monitoring of activities
- Standards for tourism promotion and cultural events
Together, these laws ensure that Japan’s new resorts follow a safe and transparent model, while maximizing economic benefits.
Osaka’s Yumeshima Island: A Strategic Choice
Yumeshima Island in Osaka Bay was selected due to its strong transportation links, large land area, and local support for tourism growth. The resort is expected to include:
- A luxury casino
- International convention centers
- High-end hotels and shopping malls
- Entertainment hubs and art spaces
The project will create thousands of jobs during and after construction. It will also help Osaka become a global travel destination, adding to Japan’s appeal for international tourists.
Planning and Oversight
The Japanese government will create a national policy to guide how integrated resorts are developed and run. This includes rules for:
- Location and design
- Building size and layout
- Company selection processes
- Risk management and social safeguards
Local governments will also make their own operational plans. These plans must match the national policy and explain how the resort will operate. If a local agency cannot submit a plan, a private company may do so and seek approval from the national government.
“We want to ensure that all developments follow the highest standards while also addressing social concerns,” said an official from Osaka Prefecture.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges
The Yumeshima resort is expected to become a new symbol of modern Japan. With global tourism slowly bouncing back, the government hopes the resort will bring in large numbers of visitors.
Still, there are some challenges. The idea of legal casinos remains controversial in Japan. Concerns include gambling addiction and crime. To address this, strict safety and health measures will be included in the resort’s design and operation.
According to the Japan Tourism Agency, integrated resorts could add over ¥1 trillion ($6.7 billion) to the economy every year. The Yumeshima project alone could attract more than 20 million visitors annually.
