Later that day Melco Crown issued a press statement with further comments from Ho regarding Japan. It gave specifics on two possible locations in the city of Osaka: Umekita and Yumeshima.
The press notice quoted Geoffrey Davis, executive vice president and chief financial officer of the group, as saying Melco Crown had previously explored potential locations in Tokyo and Yokohama as well as Osaka.
The release gave what the firm termed a "sneak peek” at suggested designs, releasing artist’s renderings (one pictured above). The firm said the design for Umekita was the creation of the late Anglo-Iraqi architect Dame Zaha Hadid. She created the Morpheus hotel tower at the firm’s City of Dreams Macau property. It is due to be completed in early 2018.
"There currently is no predetermined cap on our intended investment in Japan; our focus is on uniqueness, great design and world-class entertainment offerings,” press release quoted Ho as saying.
"We are determined to work with the Japanese government and local partners and communities to create the city’s first integrated resort which delivers long lasting benefits to Japan,” he added in the release.
Ho’s comments regarding the firm’s open-mindness on capital budget hinted at a possible bidding war between existing casino operators for a slice of a Japanese market consisting of locals and increasing numbers of overseas visitors. CLSA estimates a Japanese casino industry could be worth US$ 10 billion annually even if only two resorts were permitted.
