Osaka, Japan is undoubtedly on the short list for hosting an integrated resort (IR). It is mentioned virtually every time the subject comes up, propelled by its popularity as a tourist destination and the fact that it will host the 2025 World Expo. Most analysts believe that a first IR in the country couldn’t open until 2025 – at the earliest – due to the length of the entire launch process, but one group is pushing for the process to be expedited in order to allow Osaka’s IR to open before the World Expo.

The Kansai Association of Corporate Executives wants the IR bid from Osaka to be expedited in order to ensure that the IR planned for Yumeshima Island will be open before the Expo. It has released a report, Six Recommendations for Osaka’s Application Guidelines, in which it asserts that Osaka’s bid needs to be given priority.

To facilitate the approval process, Kansai wants regulators to approve Osaka ahead of schedule and to allow the creation of the “Yumeshima Development and Maintenance Headquarters.” It also wants a new organization established for the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) bid and creation, and the “application of casino contributions to the tourism and cultural arts of Kansai.”

Before the IR locations can be chosen, cities wishing to host a venue must submit a proposal. That proposal has to include details regarding casino operators, a general layout of the facilities and how the venue would operate. Japan has said that it won’t start considering proposals until at least this coming summer, and the selection process could potentially take several months.