Wakayama Mayor Unimpressed with Opposition’s Stance on IR

The mayor of Wakayama, Japan could be about to open a legal battle that might jeopardize the city’s chances of hosting an integrated resort (IR). Opposition to the idea has been building, and a signature-gathering exercise resulted in over 20,000 names appearing on the list. That should lead to a referendum on the subject. However, Mayor Masahiro Obana doesn’t see it that way.

Wakayama’s IR Future Remains Unclear
Obana has rescinded his support for a referendum about the prefecture’s planned IR developments. He cited a lackluster process and unnecessary costs.

On Monday, information containing Mayor Obana’s opinions was distributed at a City Council meeting. This was after a group called “Wakayama Residents’ Group for Questioning IR Bid” had submitted a petition containing the signatures earlier in the month and demanded a referendum.

The city’s total voting population was 6.5%. This is far more than the 2% required (6,200 signatures) to pass such an action.

Wakayama law requires that the mayor call a meeting of the city council within 20 days after accepting a petition. At this meeting, he must present a proposal to the council about the referendum, along with his opinion. If the council passes the referendum, it will be allowed to proceed.

Local media reports claim that Mayor Obana said that a referendum would be costly to implement and not legally binding. It is therefore difficult to determine the significance of such a process.

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