Japanese gaming giant Sega Sammy Holdings has announced a Strategic Business Alliance with UK architecture and design firm Foster + Partners, Ltd to jointly pursue an integrated resort license in Yokohama.
The alliance, announced on the eve of the 1st Japan IR Expo starting at Yokohama’s PACIFICO on Wednesday, aims to create new value in IRs by sharing the strengths of Sega Sammy and Foster + Partners, the company said, with Sega Sammy to contribute its knowledge in the entertainment industry and Foster + Partners its extensive experience around innovation in the architectural world.
In announcing the alliance, Sega Sammy – already a joint venture partner with Paradise Co in Korean integrated resort Paradise City in Incheon – noted that development and enhancement of its resort business is viewed as a critical theme in its business strategy. The company also operates two non-gaming properties, Phoenix Seagaia Resort and Phoenix Country Club, in Miyazaki, Japan.
“In order to make Japan’s IR facilities stand out in an international context where competition in the IR business is on the rise, there is a need to create IR facilities that have an overwhelming presence on the world stage,” it said. “Through its partnership with Foster + Partners, Sega Sammy will vigorously accelerate its initiatives to enter the IR business in Japan.”
Sega Sammy has previously hinted at its preference to pursue an IR in or around its home city of Tokyo, however this is the first time the company has officially released details of its plans for an integrated resort in Yokohama.
“We are delighted to be working with Sega Sammy on this amazing project on the Yokohama Waterfront,” said Luke Fox, Senior Executive Partner and Head of Studio for Foster + Partners.
“Our aim is to provide a new approach to urban regeneration and create a new global destination in Yokohama. We look forward to working with the city authorities and Sega Sammy on this exciting project in the coming months.”
Haruki Satomi, President and Group COO (Representative Director) of Sega Sammy, added, “Sega Sammy’s desire is to send out Japan’s amazing qualities to the world such as our history, culture and hospitable hearts. If an IR could be established in Japan, this could be a major site for such exchange.
“Simultaneous to this, if an IR is to be a landmark that represents Japan’s innovative spirit, we believe that it must have an abundantly creative design that matches the city’s landscape, cutting-edge technology and environmental considerations. Our partnership with Foster + Partners dramatically increases the possibility that we will achieve our lofty goals.”
Foster + Partners has a long history of designing world-renowned buildings, including the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Cooperation (HSBC) Main Building and the Great Court of the British Museum.
