Asia
Hokkaido Excludes IR from 2021 Budget

Hokkaido has announced its initial budget for 2021 on February 19, with a 15.4% (JPY432.9 billion) increase over last year to JPY3.25 trillion (US$30.9 billion). This is the third-largest initial budget ever for the prefecture, which will now be proposed at the Hokkaido Prefectural Assembly regular session on February 25.
However, the fund for IR development was a notable absentee following a recent comment by Governor Naomichi Suzuki that an IR was not in the immediate future for Hokkaido.
Funds being set aside in prefectural budgets have traditionally been considered by experts as a strong indicator of a prefecture’s intentions regarding IRs. The fact that no funds have been set aside for IR development in Hokkaido’s 2021 budget appears to signal the death knell for any remaining glimmers of hope that Hokkaido could somehow jump back into Japan’s IR race.
At a press conference, Suzuki positioned the new fiscal year’s budget as “a budget that protects lives, livelihoods and creates a path for the future.” It is hoped this will help the prefecture navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and build a society resistant to infectious disease while also promoting Hokkaido’s future in a post-pandemic world.
Revenue has declined in the economic downturn and the prefecture’s financial situation is strained. Governor Suzuki commented, “We will firmly defend ourselves while at the same time starting on proactive policy. Balancing defense and offense has been difficult but we will accept the challenge to build a future for Hokkaido while controlling the pandemic.”
-
Asia6 days ago
iQOO Neo 10 Named Title Sponsor of the Skyesports Championship 2025 BGMI Grand Finals
-
Latest News6 days ago
Treats of Terror haunts the reels with cascading suspense
-
eSports6 days ago
Esports World Cup Foundation Welcomes OBSBOT as Official Camera and Webcam Partner for Esports World Cup 2025
-
Latest News6 days ago
Best Online Blackjack Sites in Europe for 2025, Ranked by Games, Bonuses & More
-
Africa5 days ago
HYPROP MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience2025: South Africa’s Biggest Gaming Showdown Returns
-
Aquisitions/Mergers5 days ago
S8UL acquires North America’s leading Mobile Legends: Bang Bang roster ahead of Esports World Cup 2025
-
Interviews5 days ago
Are No Deposit Free Spins Worth It? A Chat With Paul Puolakka, CMO of Mr. Gamble
-
Latest News5 days ago
Week 20/2025 slot games releases