Nagasaki Says Ban on Stakeholders Participating in Other Japan IR bids is an “Original” Nagasaki Rule

Nagasaki prefecture has defended its stance on not allowing anyone holding a minimum 5% stake in the local IR bid to bid on other locations, by saying it was an original rule.

Nagasaki prefecture recently narrowed down its possible IR partners to three operators: Casinos Austria International Japan, the Niki & Chyau Fwu (Parkview) Group and the Oshidori Consortium. The Nagasaki government then issued a statement saying, “After submission of second round evaluation documents in June 2021, any investing company that will hold a 5% or more share of the applicant group’s Special Purpose Company cannot be an investing company for another concurrent bid in a different IR development and operation public tender in Japan.”

The 5% rule by Nagasaki prefecture was based on unprecedented advice from legal counsel and other parties employed for the request for proposal and other processes.

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Meanwhile, Yokohama prefecture, which is also bidding for one of Japan’s IR spots, is facing difficulty with anti-IR groups and a lack of a concise plan. However, the Yokohama City Council approved its annual budget for IR development expenses, including JPY360m ($3.3m) for IR promotion. Those opposing the IR argued that citizen consent should be obtained before moving forward.