Oshidori International, a Japanese financial investment firm listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, has provided some insight into how local partners may approach IRs after revealing its Nagasaki First policy, also appeals to duty and emotion.
The company name comes from the term “Oshidori” which is used in Japanese to symbolize the closeness of a married couple, a concept which was apparent in its vow to work as a loyal partner with Nagasaki in the future.
Speaking atthe Kyushu Nagasaki Integrated Resorts (IR) Business-Connect Seminar in Sasebo city last week, Oshidori’s managing director Kelly Lam said, “It is our hope to make Nagasaki’s Sasebo shine. We want to create employment for young people and create a city where people can live close to their hometowns.”
As one of the promotional measures, Lam said Oshidori would like to work with the government to extend Nagasaki Airport in Omura.
Already the Oshidori Group has announced plans to invest JPY400 billion (US$3.7 billion) in a Sasebo IR, while Lam said last week that it would invest another US$100 million in a monorail that would circuit Huis Ten Bosch – the proposed site of an IR.
Asked about key target markets for a successful IR bid, Lam surprised by answering, “Families and businessmen. We believe mass is the bigger market. We want to create a facility around children that nurtures culture.”
The question is whether this will be enough to turn the hearts of Nagasaki’s residents to Oshidori.
