The first of nine public hearings to be conducted by the Japanese government explaining its integrated resorts policies was held in Tokyo on Thursday, attracting around 100 people.
However, the hearing provided little insight into what shape Japan’s final IR Implementation Bill might look like with government representatives insisting details on key issues such as target dates and minimum investment levels are yet to be discussed, according to a report by Nikkei Asian Review.
The news agency said around 20 people expressed their opinions on the recommendations of the government’s Expert Committee, with one industry executive calling for Japan to push for casino openings as soon as possible.
As expected, others expressed the opposite opinion including one who suggested casinos should be banned due to a growing number of tourists from Islamic nations, where gambling is banned.
Another speaker suggested further public hearings would be useful once concrete details of the IR Implementation Bill – which supporters hope to pass in the coming Diet session – are in place.
Notably, the Japan National Tourism Organization this week announced record tourist numbers for July with visitation up 16.8% year-on-year to 2.68 million – breaking Japan’s previous monthly record of 2.58 million set in April.
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