Oshidori International Development has announced a partnership with US tribal casino operator Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment that will see the two companies jointly pursue an integrated resort license in Nagasaki, Japan.
The collaboration follows the recent launch of Nagasaki’s RFP on 7 January, with the prefecture planning to select its operator partner in August of this year – around two months before the national government starts accepting applications from candidate locations.
In a joint announcement, the two companies said the partnership would see them sharing their strengths while stepping up efforts to develop a world class IR. They also said they wanted to create a “dynamic community for Nagasaki to become a premium travel destination and premier residential choice.“
Oshidori, the Japan-based subsidiary of Hong Kong’s Oshidori International Holdings, last year appointed former MGM Resorts CEO Alex Yemenidjian as Chairman and CEO with a directive to lead the company’s pursuit of an IR license in Nagasaki.
Mohegan, which is due to open its first Asian property, Inspire Korea, in Incheon in 2023, had originally been targeting Hokkaido for its Japan IR bid but was forced to change tack after Governor Naomichi Suzuki withdrew the prefecture from Japan’s IR race in late 2019.
“We are proud to partner with Mohegan on this landmark development opportunity,” said Yemenidjian. “Through our joint bid, we aim to highlight the rich culture and diversity of the Nagasaki area, and look forward to the positive impact this project will have on the entire Kyushu region.”
Mohegan CEO Mario Kontomerkos added, “We are honored to work with Oshidori International and leverage their team’s unparalleled experience on this IR license bid in one of the fastest growing markets in the world.
“Japan offers important development opportunities that will benefit the Kyushu economy. Our growth strategy took into consideration the significant cross marketing opportunity between Project Inspire in Korea and Kyushu, Japan.
“As operators of 10 properties globally including one of the largest integrated resorts in the western hemisphere, we are eager to bring our expertise to this venture.”
The new Oshidori-Mohegan partnership becomes one of four known bidders taking part in Nagasaki’s RFP alongside Casinos Austria, Pixel Companyz in collaboration with Groupe Partouche, and a consortium comprising Get Nice Holdings and Current Corp.
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