After inking an associated partnership arrangement with local property developer Niseko Alpine Developments in November of 2017, Japanese tourism firm Kamori Kanko Company Limited has now reportedly reaffirmed its interest in bringing an integrated casino resort to the northern island of Hokkaido.

Rusutsu Resort proposal:

According to a Thursday report from GGRAsia, the Sapporo-based entity explained that it wants to redevelop its existing Rusutsu Resort facility in southern Hokkaido at a cost of approximately $500 million in hopes of winning one of the nation’s three coming integrated casino resort licenses.

Kamori reportedly detailed that its plan calls for the new-look ski resort to feature a 73,194 sq ft casino, which would account for around 2.9% of the planned facility’s total footprint, alongside a 1,300-room hotel and 269,097 sq ft of conference and meeting facilities.

Hokkaido vision:

Hisatake Kamori, President for Kamori, told GGRAsia that his firm moreover intends to add restaurants, bars and lounges as well as spas and retail space to the development located some 51 miles east of the port city of Tomakomai in hopes of eventually chalking up annual revenues of ‘well over $1 billion.’

Kamori to GGRAsia…

“An integrated resort at Rusutsu Resort will allow for the development of core community-based support infrastructure. Aside from casino gaming, which is only a small component in the overall scheme, our vision includes healthcare facilities, schools, commercial and retail precincts, multi-family homes and more tourism and entertainment venues, all in an environmentally-friendly manner.”

Ongoing bid preparation:

Kamori Kanko Company Limited is also responsible for the nearby The Vale Niseko ski resort and reportedly proclaimed that it had ‘received considerable interest from experienced gaming operators’ regarding the possibility of operating a casino inside a new-look Rusutsu Resort and was currently working ‘diligently’ on its bid for one of the three licenses.

Operator interest:

GGRAsia reported that Japan’s first integrated casino resort could open as soon as 2025 with several foreign operators including the likes of Caesars Entertainment Corporation, SJM Holdings Limited, Hard Rock International Incorporated and Melco Resorts and Entertainment Limited said to be interested in partnering with Kamori Kanko Company Limited for its envisioned Hokkaido venture.

Kamori to GGRAsia…

“Visitors come to Hokkaido for nature and the outdoors, skiing, local cuisine, culture and heritage. A Hokkaido integrated resort needs strong winter activities to support year-round tourism and to provide a unique experience for guests. Without the ski infrastructure, we do not believe an integrated resort can be successful during our cold winters.”