Hard Rock partners with Osaka

The casino operator has become the third one to join the 2025 World Expo as an Official Partner.

Hard Rock international is now the third international integrated resort operator to join as an Official Partner the 2025 World Expo that is set to be held in Osaka. Melco and MGM were the previous operators to announce a partnership with the local government.

An executive from Hard Rock Japan told AGBrief that the company has had a business presence in  Osaka now for 25 years, and most Osaka residents grew up patronising the Hard Rock Cafe in Honmachi and at Universal Studios Japan. “As it is our company’s culture of being a supportive corporate citizen in cities and countries which we do business in, it is natural and right that Hard Rock International gives its endorsement and support to Osaka City’s bid to host the World Expo 2025 in conjunction with the IR plans for the development vision for Yumeshima,” he added.

Earlier this month, Representative Officer and President of MGM Resorts Japan, Jason P. Hyland, confirmed that the company became the second Official Partner with the Osaka government in order to bid to be the host of the 2025 World Expo. “As someone who has lived in Osaka, and visited there many times, I believe Osaka is the outstanding choice to host Expo 2025. It has so much to offer, including great hospitality, superb support, and some of the world’s technology leaders. MGM Resorts is proud to be an Official Partner and is ready to help proactively with Osaka’s candidacy, in cooperation with the Japanese government.”

Melco Resorts & Entertainment had achieved the partnership in October. Nevertheless, the 2025 World Expo at Yumeshima won’t be the first event sponsored by one of these companies, as MGM Resorts was also present during Osaka’s Dotonbori River Festival, the two day event that featured entertainment, among other things.