MGM's first integrated resort in Osaka, Japan is all set to break ground in April of 2025, says MGM Resorts International and Orix Corporation, a Japanese conglomerate. The project is projected to cost $8 billion, and will include an expansive casino, a theater, shops, resort facilities, restaurants, a convention center, and more.

MGM Osaka, Japan's pioneering integrated resort casino, is all set to make history as construction begins on its primary structure in April of 2025. The landmark project, which is a collaboration between MGM Resorts International and Japanese financial powerhouse Orix Corporation, is being hailed as a transformative venture for Japan's gaming and hospitality sectors.

Situated on Yumeshima Island, a manmade landmass in Osaka Bay, MGM Osaka represents a JPY1.27 trillion (approximately $8 billion USD) investment. The Osaka IR Corporation, formed by MGM and Orix, oversees the development, which will be Japan's first integrated resort under the 2018 casino legislation.

Foundation work in progress

Site preparation for the expansive 52-acre development began in late 2023. Workers are currently fortifying the artificial island's foundation by driving steel beams over 200 feet into the ground to reach stable bedrock. This critical phase is expected to prepare the site for heavy construction activities in the coming months.

The project's complexity reflects the challenges of building on a manmade island, but developers are confident in their approach. Once completed, the resort is poised to redefine Yumeshima Island, transforming it from its current use as a shipping container hub into a world-class destination.

MGM Osaka: a grand vision

MGM Osaka is designed to embody the scale and luxury of MGM’s Las Vegas properties while incorporating Japanese culture and aesthetics. The resort will feature nearly nine million square feet indoors, including:

  • A casino limited to 3% of the total indoor floor area, in compliance with Japan's gaming regulations
  • 2,500 luxury hotel rooms
  • A shopping mall showcasing premium retail brands
  • A 3,500-seat theater
  • A spa and fitness center
  • A convention center capable of hosting international events
  • A tourism promotion facility celebrating Japan's cultural heritage

While specific details of the casino remain under wraps, it is expected to host over 200 table games as well as 2,000 slot machines. MGM Resorts President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Hornbuckle stated his enthusiasm for the project, saying, "Our vision is to bring MGM's 'wow' DNA from Las Vegas to Osaka and build a resort that will be a source of great pride in the community."

A long-awaited milestone

The journey to bring an integrated resort to Osaka has been marked by significant delays. Yumeshima Island was initially envisioned as a hub for major events, including a failed bid for the 2008 Summer Olympics. The island largely remained underutilized until 2017, when Japan's National Diet began exploring casino legalization.

In 2018, under then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japan passed legislation allowing up to three IR casinos, setting the stage for the MGM Osaka bid. However, prolonged regulatory discussions delayed the issuance of casino licenses, with MGM and Orix only securing approval in April 2023.

Originally planned to open in time for the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, the resort's completion is now slated for 2030. Despite the setbacks, MGM Osaka remains the sole casino project awarded a gaming license in Japan, marking its position as a groundbreaking venture in the country's entertainment and tourism landscape.

Revitalizing Yumeshima Island

Yumeshima Island, spanning nearly 1,000 acres, was constructed in the 1980s as part of Osaka's urban expansion. However, it struggled to attract commercial development and remained a logistics and shipping hub. The advent of MGM Osaka promises to breathe new life into the island. With the integrated resort's development, Yumeshima is poised to become a vibrant destination, drawing visitors from across Japan and beyond.