The Nagasaki Medical Practitioners Association, chaired by Takaya Honda, submitted a formal request to Governor Hodo Nakamura on 7 August stating an IR bid was unnecessary.
According to the Nagasaki Shimbun, the request suggests that with the spread of COVID-19, “The basic structure of supporting an IR’s overall profit with casino sales has crumbled,” and that, “the initiatives the prefecture should be taking are to support the restoration of the lives of Nagasaki residents.” It subsequently requested Nagasaki withdraw its IR bid.
At the regular assembly on 30 July, the Association criticized the current administration, stating, “An IR concept is unnecessary and non-urgent, as is evidenced by Las Vegas Sands dropping out of the race.
“Nagasaki prefecture and Japan as a nation should withdraw its IR bid and work instead to improve the welfare of its citizens.”
Governor Nakamura recently warned that Nagasaki’s Request for Proposal (RFP) would likely be delayed due to uncertainty over when the central government will release its IR Basic Policy.
