Construction of Japan’s First Casino Resort Set to Begin in Osaka
Construction of Japan’s highly anticipated first casino resort is set to officially begin on April 24, 2025, marking a major milestone for the country's integrated resort (IR) ambitions. The 49-hectare site is located on Yumeshima, a man-made island in Osaka Bay, directly adjacent to the EXPO 2025 grounds.
Preparatory work is already underway, with the groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for later this month. While the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) raised concerns in 2024 about construction noise potentially disrupting the Expo, Osaka City and Osaka Prefecture have agreed to delay heavy machinery operations—such as pile driving—until after the Expo concludes. Additionally, the developers will scale back construction during peak tourist periods to minimize disruption.
The ¥1 trillion IR project is being led by a consortium including MGM Resorts International and ORIX Corporation. The development will include Japan’s first legal casino, alongside three luxury hotels totaling 2,500 rooms, international convention and exhibition facilities, a shopping mall, theaters, and a major transportation terminal. The target opening date is 2030.
The resort is aiming to attract around 6 million international tourists and 14 million domestic visitors annually, with projected yearly revenues of ¥520 billion (approx. USD $3.6 billion). The site is being leased from Osaka City on a 35-year contract, with monthly rent set at ¥428 per square meter.
As for the adjacent 50-hectare Expo site, both the city and prefecture are exploring future redevelopment ideas. Early proposals include large-scale event venues, hotels, and even a racetrack. Discussions with domestic developers have been ongoing since early 2025.
This marks a transformative chapter in Osaka’s urban and tourism development, with the integrated resort expected to become a key economic driver for the Kansai region in the coming decades.
