The former Tsukiji fish market has been earmarked in a draft policy by Tokyo officials for redevelopment with the main focus on an International Conference Center and Exhibition Hall during an internal non-public review meeting on Tuesday.
Tsukiji, formerly the world’s largest marketplace, attracted hordes of overseas tourists right up until its closure in October last year. Since then, it has garnered significant attention in regards to how the site’s 23 hectares will be utilized going forward. For the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympic Games it is intended to be used as a temporary parking lot for the events.
However, it has also been suggested that any MICE facilities built at Tsukiji could easily be expanded to include a full integrated resort, including a casino.
The draft proposal for Tsukiji includes plans for social facilities that can be enjoyed by families. By cooperating with the nearby Hamarikyu Gardens, officials hope to attract 25 million visitors annually, according to the Asahi Shimbun.
Meanwhile, Tokyo officials revealed this week that the city is still considering whether or not it wishes to put its hand up as a possible home to one of Japan’s first IRs.
Compared with Osaka, which has gained the attention of several overseas IR operators, Tokyo has been remarkably silent lately, but the concept of a Tokyo casino is certainly not dead.
In a New Year interview with the Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike stated, “No other locations have invested as many years of research into IR as Tokyo has. I consider those efforts very relevant.”
