The government of Aichi prefecture announced on Wednesday October 8, 2026 that it had received expressions of interest from private-sector operators for a possible integrated resort (IR) with a casino on Chubu Centrair International Airport Island, in central Japan1. The prefectural authorities confirmed that participation documents had been submitted by the September 30 deadline, as part of a request-for-proposal (RFP) process launched in April1.
The authorities did not disclose either the identities or the number of interested parties, citing the need to maintain a fair competitive environment1. Aichi is soliciting private-sector involvement for development and operation of a casino resort on land adjacent to Chubu Centrair International Airport, near the city of Nagoya1. The suggested development site covers approximately 50 hectares (20.2 acres) of land on the airport island, including land owned by the prefecture1.
Under the envisaged development framework, the IR would include a casino, accommodation, MICE facilities and other tourism-related amenities1. The project is intended to support Aichi's ambition to develop an international tourism destination centered on meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, while boosting tourism and economic activity1.
"The prefecture said it would conduct competitive dialogue with prospective developers until around the winter of the current Japanese fiscal year, which ends in March 2027."
Aichi resumed its pursuit of an IR earlier this year, having previously considered participating in Japan's first round of casino resort applications. The prefecture abandoned those earlier plans in 2022, citing disruption linked to the Covid-19 pandemic1.
Japan's casino liberalisation framework allows for up to three IRs1. So far, only one project has received national government approval: MGM Osaka, a JPY1.51-trillion (US$9.57-billion) development scheduled to open in 20301.
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| RFP process launched | April |
| Participation documents deadline | September 30 |
| Competitive dialogue with prospective developers | Until around winter of fiscal year ending March 2027 |
| Detailed project proposals deadline | March 23, 2027 |
| Preferred private-sector partner expected to be selected | Spring 2027 |
| National application window for local governments | May 6 to November 5, 2027 |
What it means for players
No casino has opened in Aichi, and no operator has been named. The expressions of interest are a step in a licensing process, not a venue opening. Japan's national framework permits up to three IRs, and only MGM Osaka has received national government approval, with an opening scheduled for 20301. Until a project in Aichi is approved and built, there is no casino on the airport island for residents, expats or visitors to use. Rules on who may enter Japanese casinos, what games are available and how they are regulated are set out in our guide to gambling in Japan and our overview of casinos and integrated resorts in Asia.
What happens next
Aichi said it would conduct competitive dialogue with prospective developers until around the winter of the current Japanese fiscal year, which ends in March 20271. The deadline for submitting detailed project proposals has been set for March 23, 20271. The prefecture is expected to select a preferred private-sector partner in spring 2027, ahead of the next application window for local governments seeking national approval to host a casino resort, scheduled to run from May 6 to November 5, 20271. Industry observers previously told GGRAsia that the relatively tight timetable for the second application round, as well as the substantial investment requirements, could pose challenges for prospective developers and local governments1.
