Yokohama Casino Prospects Revive as Anti-IR Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka Steps Down

Japan’s casino map could be redrawn after Yokohama Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka resigned amid controversy, opening the door for a revived IR bid.

A third-party probe into Yamanaka published its findings in July, concluding that the mayor routinely engaged in workplace harassment.

The investigation began after a whistleblower—later identified as a top city human resources official—told government leaders that the mayor subjected him to coercive behavior.

A law firm retained for the probe found evidence that Yamanaka routinely bullied and intimidated subordinates, calling them “morons” and “human scum”. Yamanaka acknowledged the findings, telling reporters he “deeply regrets and apologizes” for his “poor choice of words”.

First elected in 2021, Yamanaka ran on a staunch anti-casino campaign, describing gambling as a “poison apple”. Following his victory, he formally withdrew Yokohama from consideration as an integrated resort (IR) site.

Although reelected in August 2025, Yamanaka announced his intention to resign last month amid mounting political pressure. The Yokohama City Council voted unanimously (84-0) to accept his resignation on Sept. 7.

Yokohama Casino Return

With Yamanaka out of city hall, the odds of Yokohama reviving its IR ambitions have improved. The city will select its next mayor during a special election scheduled for Oct. 18, 2026.

Attorney Atsumi Harasawa officially entered the race today (Sept. 10).

Harasawa earned an engineering degree from Keio University Graduate School before joining Japan Airlines in 1992.

She worked in aviation engineering until earning her law degree and entering legal practice in 2009. She currently serves as an outside director for several major firms, including global shipping operator Kawasaki Kisen (K Line).

Harasawa is expected to secure backing from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

While Harasawa has not taken a public stance on casino development, the LDP originally authorized Japan’s IR framework in 2018 under former PM Shinzo Abe, and Takaichi has voiced support for a second licensing round to bolster international tourism.

Yokohama Bidding

Yokohama was initially a frontrunner during Japan’s first IR licensing round, which ultimately awarded only one of three available concessions—to MGM Resorts in Osaka.

As Japan’s most populous city behind Tokyo, Yokohama originally drew interest from major global operators, including Las Vegas Sands, Wynn Resorts, Genting, Galaxy Entertainment, and Melco Resorts.

However, after Sands and Wynn pulled out due to regulatory uncertainty, rising costs, and the pandemic, Yamanaka’s election victory sealed the project’s fate when he officially canceled the city’s bid.

Japan is expected to open its second bidding window for the two remaining IR licenses next year.