Hokkaido, Japan, which declined to apply for an integrated resort licence in 2019, has signalled its renewed interest. In 2019, the governor of Hokkaido, Japan, declined an opportunity to bid on an integrated resort (IR) licence in the prefecture, citing environmental reasons. “We view IR as a potential project that could contribute to Hokkaido’s development by attracting private investment and boosting tourism-related spending.”Three licences, only one Japan IR approvedIn 2018, the Diet passed legislation that would permit up to three IRs across Japan. Hokkaido was initially eager to join the bidding, with Tomakomai a leading candidate, and Hard Rock International the proposed operator. According to the Japan Times, with little time to assess the environmental impact, Suzuki declined to pursue a bid.