Japan's New Casino Regulator Continues to Take Shape
Japan's parliament has approved the appointments of three individuals to the Japan Casino Regulatory Commission, including one reappointment and two new members. GGRAsia reports that the new members are set to begin their terms on January 7 of next year.
Japan's Mt. Fuji rises in the background. (Source: Getty Images)
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:This move is part of the government's ongoing effort to shape the commission, which was established in January 2020 to oversee the development and operation of integrated resorts (IR) in the country. It's another step forward for the country as it continues to work toward the launch of casino gambling.
Related: MGM's Osaka IR to Begin Breaking Ground Within DaysTakafumi Sato, previously the superintendent prosecutor of the Takamatsu High Public Prosecutors Office, has been named as the commission's new chair. He will succeed Michio Kitamura, who currently holds the position and formerly served as superintendent prosecutor at the Fukuoka High Public Prosecutors Office. The chairmanship transition reflects the rotation system within the commission, with members typically serving five-year terms.
Junichi Kakimizu, who previously led the National Tax Agency’s National Tax College, is another newcomer to the commission. Alongside Kakimizu, psychiatrist Michiko Watari has been reappointed as a member of the regulatory body. Watari has been part of the commission since its establishment in 2020, bringing continuity to the leadership structure.
Additionally, two current members, Hirofumi Kitamura, a former director of the National Police Agency’s Traffic Bureau, and Keiko Ishikawa, an economics professor, will continue to serve their terms, which began in January 2023.
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Two Members to Step Down
With the new arrivals, two members of the current commission will vacate their positions in January. These include Michio Kitamura, the outgoing chair, and Hiroyuki Ujikane, who was previously in charge of the Nagoya Regional Taxation Bureau. Both were part of the inaugural group of commission members when the regulatory body was formed in 2020. The rotation ensures a balance between experience and fresh perspectives in the commission's oversight of Japan's casino industry.
Japan's first and only approved IR, MGM Osaka, is scheduled to open in late 2030. The commission's work will be crucial in regulating this project and any future developments in the country's IR sector.
Meanwhile, Nagasaki prefecture, which was not selected during the previous application round for hosting an IR, recently confirmed having been asked for new input from the Japan Tourism Agency regarding IR policies. However, no announcements have been made about a new application round for local governments to seek approval for such projects.
The Japan Casino Regulatory Commission plays a critical role in ensuring the integrity of the nation's casino industry. Its responsibilities include setting regulatory standards, managing licensing processes, and monitoring operations to prevent illicit activities. With the addition of new members, the commission is expected to continue its work in overseeing the development of IRs and their alignment with Japan's tourism and economic policies.
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