A recent inquest designed to determine the public’s attitude toward an integrated resort (IR) in Yokohama, Japan was met with a resounding no. 94% of the residents indicated that they opposed the idea of having an IR in their back yard, which doesn’t bode well for the future of a casino in the area. Now, business leaders in Yokohama are renewing their campaigning efforts in an attempt to sway government opinion.

This past Saturday, the municipal government held a conference, the 24th Yokohama Business Council, and the entrepreneurs took advantage of the opportunity to pitch their unwavering support. Morihiko Kawamoto, VP of the Yokohama Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as the president of Kawamoto Industry Corporation, said at the conference, “We are convinced that it will contribute to Yokohama’s economic revitalization and the sustainable development.”

There are quite a few business leaders in the area that are fully behind the possibility of an IR coming to Yokohama. However, not everyone is so excited. Yokohama Harbor Transport Association Chairman Yukio Fujiki has been a very vocal opponent to the plan, given that the casino would more than likely be built at the Yamashita Pier.

The mayor of Yokohama, Fumiko Hayashi, is still on the fence, as would be any good politician. However, she took the initiative to seek out a request for information (RFI) process in anticipation of a possible IR bid.