Yokohama Candidate Vows Ban on City Casinos

Kyle Kevin

iGaming Writer

Fact Checked

Independent candidate Kazuma Nakatani pledges casino prohibition ordinance for Yokohama, following Genting and Melco withdrawals from Japanese integrated resort project.

Kazuma Nakatani, former lawmaker, announced independent candidacy on September 12th. He pledged to maintain Yokohama’s candidate casino-free policy while pursuing local ordinance banning casinos if elected. Kanagawa Shimbun reported the independent candidate wants to discuss casino prohibition with city assembly. Local television broadcaster tvk confirmed his campaign commitment to eliminate casino development candidate plans. Nakatani’s campaign includes measures to prevent casino procedures from advancing without residents’ knowledge. The Constitutional Democratic Party’s Kanagawa chapter decided on September 14th to support his independent candidacy. Official campaigning candidate begins October 4th, with voting scheduled for October 18th. This election follows former mayor Takeharu Yamanaka’s resignation on August 28th amid controversy over his treatment of city employees.

Nakatani Campaigns Against Yokohama Casinos

Yokohama mayoral candidate Kazuma Nakatani has pledged to keep casinos out of the Japanese city. He plans to pursue a local ordinance banning them if candidate elected, Japanese regional newspaper Kanagawa Shimbun reported. Nakatani wants to discuss casino prohibition ordinance with the city assembly and seek its passage during his term. The measure would aim to prevent procedures for casino development from advancing without residents’ knowledge. Local television broadcaster tvk also reported that Nakatani pledged to maintain Yokohama’s policy of not pursuing casino development. His campaign commitments include measures to eliminate harassment. The Constitutional Democratic Party’s Kanagawa chapter decided on September 14th to support his independent candidacy. This follows the resignation of former mayor Takeharu Yamanaka. Official campaigning begins on October 4th, with voting scheduled for October 18th.

Yokohama’s Failed Integrated Resort Pursuit

Yamanaka ended Yokohama’s earlier pursuit of an integrated resort after winning office on an anti-IR platform in 2021. Local newspaper Shin-Yokohama Shimbun reported at the time that the city halted its operator selection process that September. The decision prompted Genting Singapore to withdraw from the Yokohama project. Melco Resorts & Entertainment subsequently confirmed its withdrawal and the closure of its Yokohama office. Nakatani’s campaign pledges to maintain this policy while pursuing local ordinance banning casinos. His campaign commitments include measures to eliminate harassment. The Constitutional Democratic Party’s Kanagawa chapter decided on September 14th to support his independent candidacy. This follows the resignation of former mayor Takeharu Yamanaka. Official campaigning begins on October 4th, with voting scheduled for October 18th.

Genting and Melco Withdraw from Project

The decision prompted Genting Singapore to withdraw from the Yokohama project. Melco Resorts & Entertainment subsequently confirmed its withdrawal and the closure of its Yokohama office. Genting Singapore and Melco Resorts & Entertainment both abandoned the integrated resort bid. This outcome reflects Japan’s challenging regulatory environment for casino operators. The AGBrief platform tracks regional casino developments across Asia. Yokohama’s failed casino pursuit demonstrates the difficulties operators face in Japan. The city halted its operator selection process following Yamanaka’s policy reversal. Both companies withdrew their bids for the integrated resort project. This development affects the broader Asia-Pacific casino landscape. Operators must navigate complex local regulations and political opposition. The Yokohama case illustrates the challenges of casino expansion in Japan.

Yamanaka Resignation Sparks Election

Yamanaka announced his decision to resign on August 28th amid controversy over his treatment of city employees. At the press conference, he apologized for damaging public trust and disrupting the administration. He acknowledged that his commitment to advancing policies did not excuse his inappropriate words and conduct toward staff. Three city assembly groups had called for his resignation on August 14th, he said. Yamanaka had ended Yokohama’s earlier pursuit of an integrated resort after winning office on an anti-IR platform in 2021. Local newspaper Shin-Yokohama Shimbun reported at the time that the city halted its operator selection process that September. The decision prompted Genting Singapore to withdraw from the Yokohama project. Melco Resorts & Entertainment subsequently confirmed its withdrawal and the closure of its Yokohama office.

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This article has been thoroughly researched and reviewed by the CasinoBait editorial team to ensure accuracy and relevance for Asian casino players.