jili tutorial

Yokohama Mayoral Candidate Kazuma Nakatani Pledges Casino Ban in Special Election

By jili tutorial · September 16, 2026

Yokohama Mayoral Candidate Kazuma Nakatani Pledges Casino Ban in Special Election

Overview: A Contentious Race for Japan’s Second-Largest City

Yokohama, Japan’s second-most populous city, is heading to the polls for a special mayoral election on October 18, 2025. Among the candidates, former national lawmaker Kazuma Nakatani has positioned himself as the strongest opponent of casino gambling, vowing to keep the city free from integrated resort (IR) developments if elected.

Nakatani formally launched his campaign during a press conference on September 12, joining two other declared candidates: attorney Atsumi Harasawa and business executive Atsushi Fukuyama. The election will cost Yokohama taxpayers an estimated 1.5 billion yen (approximately US$9.7 million).

Background: Yokohama’s Shifting Stance on Casino Gambling

From Consideration to Rejection

Yokohama previously explored hosting an integrated resort—a large-scale development combining casinos, hotels, entertainment, and convention spaces similar to those in Las Vegas, Macau, or Singapore. However, those plans came to an abrupt halt when Takeharu Yamanaka won the mayoral election in 2021 and immediately withdrew the city from IR consideration.

The Resignation That Triggered a Special Election

Mayor Yamanaka resigned effective September 7, 2025, following media reports that he had referred to his staff using derogatory terms including “morons” and “human scum.” His resignation forced the city to hold this special election, which became a focal point for debates over Yokohama’s future direction—including the casino question.

The Candidates and Their Positions on Casinos

Kazuma Nakatani: The Anti-Casino Champion

Nakatani, who is not affiliated with any political party but is backed by the Constitutional Democratic Party, has taken the most definitive stance against casinos. A former member of Japan’s House of Representatives (the National Diet), he served from October 2017 through January 2026, representing Southern Kanto. He also previously served in the Kanagawa Prefectural Assembly.

Key Quote from Nakatani:

“I would like to consult with the city council about a casino ban ordinance, and if it can be passed, I would like to realize a situation during my term where procedures are not carried out without the knowledge of the citizens.”

Nakatani frames his opposition in terms of community well-being:

“I want to create a warmer Yokohama” that leads to an “increased level of happiness” among its people. Casino gambling doesn’t align with that vision.

Atsumi Harasawa: The LDP-Backed “Closed Door” Candidate

Harasawa, supported by the powerful Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), has stated she has no intention of pursuing an IR. She recently described the casino matter as “closed,” suggesting she would not reopen Yokohama’s previous consideration of casino development.

Atsushi Fukuyama: Focus on Reform, Not Casinos

Fukuyama has remained publicly silent on the casino issue, stating he prefers to concentrate on “city administration reform” rather than engaging in IR discussions.

The National Context: Japan’s Second IR Bidding Round

What Is an Integrated Resort (IR)?

An integrated resort is a large-scale tourism complex that typically includes:

Japan passed legislation to legalize integrated resorts in 2018, and the first IR is currently under development in Osaka (partially owned by MGM Resorts).

Timeline for the Next Bidding Round

Japan is expected to conduct a second IR bidding round, with applications opening in May 2027. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (who succeeded the late Shinzo Abe) has continued the push for expanding tourism and leisure travel through casino development.

Current Interest Among Major Cities and Prefectures

As of now, only two regions have publicly expressed interest in participating:

Notably, no major city or prefecture has formally announced a willingness to join Osaka in hosting an IR. This lack of enthusiasm raises questions about how much interest remains among the world’s leading casino developers—including companies like Las Vegas Sands, Galaxy Entertainment, and Melco Resorts.

Nakatani’s Electoral Challenge

Nakatani was ousted from the Diet during the February 2026 election, losing to LDP candidate Keisuke Suzuki. Now seeking a return to public office through the Yokohama mayoralty, he faces an uphill battle against better-funded, party-backed opponents—but his clear anti-casino stance may resonate with voters wary of gambling-related social issues.

What a Casino Ban Ordinance Would Mean for Yokohama

If Nakatani wins and successfully passes a casino ban ordinance through the city council, Yokohama would effectively lock itself out of any future IR development, even if the national government continues to promote casino tourism. This would:

Conclusion: A Defining Issue for Yokohama’s Future

The October 18 special election represents more than just a replacement for a resigning mayor—it is a referendum on whether Yokohama will remain closed to casino gambling or leave the door open for future reconsideration. With the national government pushing forward with a second IR bidding round, the winner of this election will shape Yokohama’s stance on casinos for years to come.