According to a report by GGRAsia, Caesars has sent a response to a “formal request for information” (RFI) it received by authorities in Tomakomai, Japan. The request is in relation to the casino company’s wishes to build an integrated resort (IR) in the city when Japan finally opens the bidding process. Tomakomai is the industrial port of Hokkaido, the northernmost island and prefecture of Japan.

In a written statement to GGRAsia, the president of international development for Caesars, Steven Tight, explained, “In Tomakomai, we responded to the formal request for information by the city government and request for concept by the Hokkaido government.” He added that the company hopes that its initial proposal for a Tomakomai IR would demonstrate that it has been “responsive to the specific objectives and concerns of the local government.”

The proposal, according to Tight, ensures that the IR development “is in ‘harmony with nature’, bringing back high-quality jobs to the city, promoting regional tourism and spreading economic benefits throughout Hokkaido.”

Only a few days ago, Caesars participated in the “Hokkaido IR Showcase” event that was held in Sapporo, the capital of the prefecture, which included discussions on Hokkaido’s possibilities of hosting an IR. The event also saw participation from other casino giants, including the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority (Mohegan Sun), Hard Rock International, Melco Resorts and Entertainment and SJM.