Aichi Governor Hideaki Omura is expected to seek a fifth term in office, potentially allowing him to continue efforts to attract an integrated resort (IR) featuring a casino to the central Japanese prefecture.
According to local reports, Omura intends to remain in office to pursue several development initiatives, including the proposed IR project near Chubu Centrair International Airport.
The 66-year-old governor is expected to formally announce his candidacy during the prefectural assembly session beginning December 1.
The gubernatorial election campaign will begin on January 21, with voting scheduled for February 7, 2027.
Omura has governed Aichi since 2011, securing re-election in subsequent races with support from major political parties. His potential fifth term comes as Aichi advances preliminary work on an IR development on the airport island in Tokoname.
In October, the prefecture confirmed receiving private-sector participation submissions for the proposed development following a September 30 deadline.
However, authorities have not disclosed the number or identities of interested companies, and no operator has been selected.
The project covers approximately 50 hectares near Chubu Centrair International Airport and Aichi Sky Expo, with plans for convention facilities, hotels, entertainment attractions and a casino.
Under the proposed framework, the casino would occupy no more than 3% of the resort's total floor space. Aichi expects to continue discussions with prospective operators before receiving detailed proposals by March 23, 2027. Any selected project would still require local approvals and national certification before development could proceed.
Meanwhile, Omura faces opposition from Shoichiro Noguchi, a candidate endorsed by the regional Genzei Nippon party.
The election could therefore influence the prefecture's approach to the IR project as Japan prepares to reopen applications for two additional casino resorts in 2027.
Although Omura's re-election could provide continuity for the proposal, the project's eventual approval and development remain uncertain.
Japan is preparing to accept applications for two additional integrated resorts between May and November 2027
