Construction Begins on Japan’s Largest Casino Resort MGM Osaka on Yumeshima Island

In June 2025, construction officially began on MGM Osaka — Japan’s first legal integrated casino resort. The massive complex is being built on the man-made island of Yumeshima, located in Osaka Bay, and is set to become the country’s largest entertainment and tourism hub. The project is being developed by a consortium of U.S.-based MGM Resorts International and Japan’s Orix Corporation, with strong support from the Japanese government.

The total construction cost is estimated at $8.9 billion. Spanning more than 49 hectares, the resort will include not only a casino but also hotels, conference centers, cultural venues, shopping areas, restaurants, and recreational zones. According to developers, the resort will generate over 15,000 jobs, both during construction and after launch.

The casino will follow Japan’s IR (Integrated Resort) model, which combines gaming with tourism, business, and cultural infrastructure. Authorities hope this will significantly boost the country’s tourism sector, especially in the wake of pandemic-related declines. The government expects MGM Osaka to attract over 20 million visitors annually.

One of the key features of the project is strict regulation of access to the casino for Japanese citizens. Locals will only be allowed to enter the gaming floors after registering and paying an entry fee, a measure designed to minimize potential social harm. In contrast, access for foreign tourists will remain unrestricted.

The resort is expected to be completed by the end of 2029, with a grand opening planned for early 2030. MGM and Orix are already working on marketing, operational strategies, and partnerships with Japanese travel agencies, hotel networks, and service providers.

MGM Osaka is designed not only as a gaming destination but also as an architectural landmark. The design incorporates elements of Japanese culture and sustainable construction, including eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and water purification technologies. The developers also plan to revitalize the adjacent waterfront and create public spaces for Osaka residents.

Official estimates suggest that Japan’s economy will receive over ¥1.1 trillion in tax revenue and investment in the first 10 years of the resort’s operation. The project has also sparked real estate activity in the region and ignited discussions about future IR developments in Tokyo and Nagasaki.

In summary, MGM Osaka is poised to become not only Japan’s first legalized casino but also a blueprint for a new era of tourism — blending entertainment, culture, and innovation.