MGM Resorts International and Japanese financial powerhouse ORIX Corporation have officially begun construction on the country’s first casino-integrated resort. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on April 24, 2025, on Yumeshima, a reclaimed island in Osaka Bay—marking the first tangible step in a project over a decade in the making.
A Strategic $9 Billion Gamble
With a price tag of ¥1.27 trillion (approx. $8.9 billion), the Osaka IR (integrated resort) is not just a tourism project—it’s a calculated economic play. The development includes three luxury hotels, a massive convention center, theaters, shopping complexes, and a high-end casino. The scale of the project mirrors those seen in Macau and Singapore, suggesting that Japan aims to compete at the top tier of global gambling destinations.
Why Yumeshima?
The choice of Yumeshima Island isn’t arbitrary. Besides hosting Expo 2025, the artificial island provides a controlled environment with security and infrastructure advantages. It’s a symbolic gesture as well: transforming a once-unused landmass into a glittering hub of economic opportunity. However, few realize that the island’s limited existing infrastructure presents long-term challenges, including transportation access and environmental sustainability, which developers will need to carefully address.
Political and Social Balancing Act
While the project is backed by Osaka’s local government and aligned with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s economic revitalization goals, public sentiment toward gambling remains mixed. Japanese lawmakers have walked a tightrope for years—balancing anti-addiction concerns with the promise of tax revenue and job creation. The IR is expected to generate tens of thousands of jobs and drive up to 20 million annual visitors, but opposition remains vocal in some quarters.
Timeline and Outlook
Construction will ramp up post-Expo 2025, with full operations expected by 2030. The hidden angle? Industry insiders believe this timeline is conservative and could accelerate if Japan greenlights additional IR licenses—potentially in Yokohama or Nagasaki. MGM Osaka is a blueprint for more.
In essence, the Osaka IR is more than a mega-casino—it’s a test case for Japan’s future as a global tourism and entertainment power.
