TLDR Independent candidate Kazuma Nakatani has pledged to block casino development in Yokohama if he wins the mayoral race. Nakatani plans to push for a local ordinance banning casino construction after taking office. The Constitutional Democratic Party’s Kanagawa chapter has endorsed his campaign. The race follows the resignation of former mayor Takeharu Yamanaka, who halted Yokohama’s casino resort plans in 2021. Genting Singapore and Melco Resorts & Entertainment both withdrew from Yokohama projects and closed local offices after that decision.
Kazuma Nakatani, an independent candidate running for mayor of Yokohama, has promised to keep casinos out of the city. He says he will work to pass a local ordinance banning casino construction if he wins the election.
The pledge was reported by Kanagawa Shimbun. It places Nakatani firmly against any future casino resort development in Yokohama.
Nakatani’s campaign also includes promises to address harassment issues in the city. Public broadcast reports have backed up his stance on maintaining Yokohama’s current policy against casino development.
Political Support and Campaign Timeline
The mayoral race comes after former mayor Takeharu Yamanaka resigned from office. Official campaigning is set to begin on October 4, with voting scheduled for October 18.
The Constitutional Democratic Party’s Kanagawa chapter has thrown its support behind Nakatani’s independent bid. The endorsement signals party backing for his anti casino platform heading into the election.
Voters in Yokohama will decide the outcome next month. The race is being watched as a test of how the city’s residents feel about gambling development.
Background on Yokohama’s Casino Debate
Yamanaka won the Yokohama mayoral seat in 2021 and stopped the city’s pursuit of an integrated resort soon after taking office. That decision led two gaming companies to pull out of the city.
Genting Singapore and Melco Resorts & Entertainment both withdrew