Yokohama Elects Atsumi Harasawa as Mayor With Casino Plans Remaining Off Limits

Yokohama has elected a new mayor who has ruled out any revival of the city’s integrated resort bid. Atsumi Harasawa, a 59-year-old lawyer, defeated six other candidates including her predecessor Takeharu Yamanaka on Sunday. Yamanaka ended the IR pursuit after his 2021 win and resigned last month following an investigation into bullying and abuse of power.

Harasawa’s Explicit Rejection of IR Plans

Harasawa ran as an independent with backing from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Japan Innovation Party. The LDP originally drove Japan’s IR legislation. Yet Harasawa stated during the campaign: “I have absolutely no intention of pursuing an integrated resort (IR), including a casino, in Yokohama. I have no intention of reconsidering inviting one to the city.”

This position aligns with Yamanaka’s earlier decision to pull the plug. Yokohama had once ranked as the most exciting contender among cities seeking one of the three available national IR licences. Genting Singapore and Melco Resorts & Entertainment pursued the opportunity aggressively until the 2021 reversal. Las Vegas Sands Corp had already chosen not to continue in Japan.

Current Status of Japan’s IR Licences

Only one city secured a licence. Osaka received approval for the US$10 billion MGM Osaka project scheduled to open in 2030. As reported by Inside Asian Gaming, Harasawa’s victory leaves Yokohama’s casino ambitions closed for the foreseeable future. The national pipeline now stands at a single approved development with no near-term prospect of expansion from this former frontrunner city.

Reporting: Inside Asian Gaming

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