There is intense competition to be among the first casinos granted a license in Japan. Hard Rock International have made it clear in the past they would want in on the bidding, and we know more now about their plans for an integrated resort (IR).

In a January 11 press release, Hard Rock details their plans for a Tomakomai, Hokkaido IR. The plans include monorail access to the airport, a guitar-shaped hotel tower, an additional Four Seasons hotel, an entertainment venue, theatres, a health and well-being center, and over 215,000 square feet of retail and dining space. The focus will be on an authentic Ainu (a local indigenous people) village experience.

The operator came prepared and isn’t messing around. They also announced partnerships with the New York Yankees and Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment, a company that focuses on Broadway Theater experiences.

At the recent Hokkaido Integrated Resort showcase, Jim Allen, CEO of Hard Rock, said: