Osaka's political and business leaders are moving forward with plans to develop Yumeshima, a man-made island in Osaka Bay, into what they hope will be the site of an integrated resort with casino gambling by 2024 and the World Exposition in 2025.
But with the Diet yet to decide how casinos will operate, strong competition from Paris for the 2025 World Expo, and the question of who will pay the estimated ¥70 billion to extend the city subway out to the Yumeshima, the city faces tough hurdles to realizing its dream for the island.
In a development plan announced on Tuesday by Osaka city, a 70-hectare portion of the island would be turned into an integrated resort facility with a casino, hotels, shopping arcades, galleries and convention center. Another 60 hectares would be set aside for the 2025 Expo.