The Japanese integrated resort (IR) competition is really kicking into high gear now, as the process is starting to be fleshed out and several areas are preparing their proposals. That makes it the worst time to see setbacks to a potential bid, something that Hokkaido and Yokohama are now experiencing.

As reported by Japanese sources and picked up by Inside Asia Gaming, Yokohama’s IR bid now has a party dedicated to opposing it. The Constitutional Democratic Party of Kanagawa have established the Casino Problems Countermeasures HQ, which will take all the actions it can to reveal displeasure with an IR in their city.

The HQ will arrange a people’s vote to reveal public sentiment and collect signatures for a petition, designed to show Mayor Fumiko Hayashi that they don’t want any casinos in their city.

The effort is led by Tomoko Abe. He’s previously submitted a “Questionnaire regarding a second request for comments on the fundamental policy for the development of specified complex tourist facilities, including a casino.” The government responded to that request that it determined its application period based on an assumed timeline for all steps to be taken, as well as how tourist facilities would impact a region.