Aichi Prefecture Issues Request for Proposals as Japan Reopens Bidding for Integrated Resort Licenses

Aichi Prefecture issues an RFP for a new integrated resort at Chubu Centrair Airport, aiming to secure a Japanese casino license in the 2027 bidding round.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 2, 2026, 8:37 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from iGB

A Renewed Push for Japanese Gaming

Aichi Prefecture has taken a formal step toward entering Japan’s burgeoning integrated resort market by issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP). This move confirms the region's intent to compete in the second national bidding window scheduled for late 2027. Following a decade of legislative delays and the economic disruptions of the pandemic, Aichi is positioning itself as a primary contender for one of the two remaining licenses not claimed during the initial 2023 application round.

Strategic Advantage at Chubu Centrair

The designated development site is situated on a manmade island at Chubu Centrair International Airport, a location that analysts describe as nearly ideal for an international tourism hub. The proximity to a major transport gateway allows for an eight minute walk from baggage claim to the proposed casino floor, offering unparalleled convenience for regional travelers from Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Philippines. This isolation from residential areas also serves to mitigate potential community opposition, a hurdle that has stalled similar projects in other Japanese prefectures.

Capitalizing on Political Momentum

The revival of Aichi’s bid coincides with a favorable shift in Japan’s national leadership. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, elected in October 2025, is a vocal proponent of integrated resorts and a protege of the late Shinzo Abe, who originally championed the 2016 Integrated Resort Promotion Act. With the Casino Regulatory Commission now fully operational, the central government appears ready to advance the industry to grow international investment and offset the economic stagnation caused by a declining domestic population.