Political and business leaders in the Japanese city of Osaka are moving forward with plans to develop Yumeshima, a man-made island in Osaka Bay, into what they hope will be the site of an integrated resort with casino gambling by 2024.
But with the Diet yet to decide how casinos will operate and the question of who will pay the estimated ¥70bn to extend the city subway out to Yumeshima, the city faces tough hurdles to realising its dream for the island.
In a development plan announced recently by the city, a 70-hectare portion of the island would be turned into an integrated resort facility with a casino, hotels, shopping arcades, galleries and convention centre.
