April 25, 2025

Following the completion of public infrastructure development for Expo 2025 on Yumeshima Island in Osaka Bay, the full-scale construction of a casino-centric integrated resort (IR) began on April 24, next to the Expo site.

It has been said that public infrastructure pertaining to the holding of Expo was under development with a view of a post-Expo casino project, and this has once again become clear.

The casino-based IR operator is a venture consisting of 20 firms which include MGM Resorts International and Orix Corp.

At the commencement ceremony, MGM Resorts Japan CEO Edward Bowers and Osaka Governor Yoshimura Hirofumi (of the “Ishin” party) were present.

Concerned Osaka residents as well as the Japanese Communist Party have been calling for the cancellation of the IR project, pointing to the need of support for people’s livelihoods, not introducing casino gambling.