Report claims Hokkaido to forgo Japan’s second round of IR bidding due to time constraints

Hokkaido, long considered among the most likely of Japan’s prefectures to pursue an integrated resort license under a second round of bidding set to launch in 2027, has reportedly chosen not to submit an application due to time constraints. According to local media outlet Hokkaido Shimbun , the prefecture will for the second time forgo an IR bid because “the necessary steps, including the selection of a candidate site and the completion of legally mandated procedures, cannot be finalized by the deadline.” The prefecture has not, however, shelved its IR interest permanently with the media outlet reporting that a third…