The Chairman of the Yokohama Harbor Transport Association, comprising member companies related to Yamashita Wharf in Yokohama Harbor, gave a lecture on Sunday in which he opposed the development of an integrated resort in the city.
As reported by the Mainichi, 89-year-old Yukio Fujiki expressed concern over of an increase in problem gaming following Yokohama mayor Fumiko Hayashi’s announcement that she would support an IR in Yokohama, adding, “The best defense is to not build a casino.”
Fujiki was invited to speak by The Liberty and People’s Rights Council (chaired by former Finance Minister, Hirohisa Fujii), which is a group made up of local councilmen and academics. Rather than developing an IR, he explained the concept of a harbor resort focused on massive MICE facilities instead.
On the topic of IRs, he said, “There are many people who are suffering from gambling addiction. I am completely against it.”
The group also announced an emergency appeal prior to the speech. The appeal claims that Mayor Hayashi, who had had previously steered clear of either supporting or opposing an IR, suddenly changed her mind. It also calls for revocation of the supplementary budget related to an IR bid. The group has threatened to use “all means necessary” if the requests are not met.
Kenji Eda, a member of the House of Representatives who attended the Yokohama Harbor Transport Association’s press conference, said, “We are also keeping in mind the options of recall and petition for a direct request for a referendum.”
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