NEWSWORTHY
National / Politics Nov 26, 2018
Casino advocate Wakayama Gov. Yoshinobu Nisaka beats only challenger to secure fourth term
Wakayama Gov. Yoshinobu Nisaka, who is aiming to host a casino resort as a way to revitalize the economy of the prefecture, secured a fourth consecutive term Sunday according to exit polls, beating a challenger backed by the Japanese Communist Party. The 68-year-old governor won ...
National | KANSAI PERSPECTIVE Oct 21, 2018
Is Yumeshima safe as a casino site? Some question Osaka's pitch after flooding at Kansai airport
by Eric Johnston
Less than two months ago, Typhoon Jebi ripped through western Japan and slammed a tanker into the only bridge leading to Kansai International Airport, forcing it to shut down. Although the airport, built on an artificial island, quickly recovered and repairs to bridge are progressing, ...
National / Politics Oct 11, 2018
by Tomohiro Osaki
Yoshihide Suga responded tersely to an investigative report during a regular press briefing, referring to Abe’s past denial in the Diet of the allegation.
National | VIEW FROM OSAKA Aug 18, 2018
Osaka leaders revel as casinos bid for attention
by Eric Johnston
When the Diet passed a law governing the operation of integrated casino resorts last month, public celebrations were few. Media polls showed strong public opposition to casinos, with respondents citing worries about problem gamblers and more crime. But the champagne corks were popping in Osaka, ...
Business Jul 31, 2018
Already in decline, Japan's pachinko industry now braces for gambling-addiction regulations
by Taiga Uranaka and Ritsuko Ando
Like many pachinko parlors throughout Japan, Naomi Suzuki's establishment on the outskirts of the city of Fukushima was once full of energy, with the din of bouncing steel balls and garish lights flashing to indicate winnings. But business is quieter for her these days as ...
Business Jul 22, 2018
Green light for casinos offers jackpot to Japanese companies
by Lisa Du and Maiko Takahashi
Let the competition begin. Now that Japan has enacted a law outlining a road map for casino resorts, foreign operators from Las Vegas Sands Corp. to MGM Resorts International can start to seek out partners in their bid to tap a gaming market that may ...
National Jul 16, 2018
Casinos in Japan: Tourist attractions or hotbeds of gambling addiction?
by Tomohiro Osaki
As the year's ordinary Diet session nears a climax this week, debate is heating up over a bill Prime Minister Shinzo Abe characterizes as key to his growth strategy: the so-called casino implementation legislation. The bill spells out a raft of rules on the structure ...
Language | MORNING ENGLISH Jun 11, 2018
To the list of Japanese regions battling for a coveted casino resort, you can add Mickey Mouse's neighborhood.
Business Jun 1, 2018
Chiba Prefecture businesses push for casino resort
by Maiko Takahashi
The list of regions battling for a coveted spot for the development of casino resorts ranges from Osaka to Hokkaido. And you can add Mickey Mouse's neighborhood to the list of possibilities. Chiba Prefecture, home to Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea, is gaining attention, with proponents ...
National / Politics May 16, 2018
Bill tackling problem gamblers submitted to Lower House to clear way for casinos
by Eric Johnston
The ruling LDP-led coalition along with the nominal opposition party Nippon Ishin no Kai submitted a bill to the Lower House on Wednesday to establish new policies for dealing with problem gamblers. The measure is an attempt to address strong public concern that introducing casino ...