Japan must get real about casinos, opponents

Failure to agree on a gambling addiction legislation earlier this month is another indication that Japanese officials haven’t gotten serious about casino legalization. They seem convinced public opposition to casinos will evaporate.

Totally globalized native New Yorker and former broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is a blogger for Forbes, editor at large for Inside Asian Gaming and author of Hong Kong On Air, a novel set in his adopted hometown during the 1997 handover about television news, love, betrayal, high finance, and cheap lingerie. See his bio, online archive and more at www.muhammadcohen.com; follow him on Facebook and Twitter @MuhammadCohen.

Japan casinos face defining questions

While the global casino industry giddily dreams of integrated resort locations, why Japan wants casinos and what will make them Japanese loom as defining issues.

Totally globalized native New Yorker and former broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is a blogger for Forbes, editor at large for Inside Asian Gaming and author of Hong Kong On Air, a novel set in his adopted hometown during the 1997 handover about television news, love, betrayal, high finance, and cheap lingerie. See his bio, online archive and more at www.muhammadcohen.com; follow him on Facebook and Twitter @MuhammadCohen.

Japan engaged to be engaged on casinos

Lawmakers in Japan voted to start casino legalization, but there’s a long road ahead, with lots of exit ramps.

Totally globalized native New Yorker and former broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is a blogger for Forbes, editor at large for Inside Asian Gaming and author of Hong Kong On Air, a novel set in his adopted hometown during the 1997 handover about television news, love, betrayal, high finance, and cheap lingerie. See his bio, online archive and more at www.muhammadcohen.com; follow him on Facebook and Twitter @MuhammadCohen.

Japan casinos still can’t get to first base

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party has taken Japan’s integrated resorts bill off the table for the current Diet session. Conditions seem right for casino legalization in Japan, except crucial national politics.

Totally globalized native New Yorker and former broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is a blogger for Forbes, editor at large for Inside Asian Gaming and author of Hong Kong On Air, a novel set in his adopted hometown during the 1997 handover about television news, love, betrayal, high finance, and cheap lingerie. See his bio, online archive and more at www.muhammadcohen.com; follow him on Facebook and Twitter @MuhammadCohen.

Japan casino prospects fade despite good cards

Reasons for Japan to legalize casinos keeping growing along with the country’s burgeoning debt and quarter century long economic malaise. Yet Japan casino legalization seems less likely than a year ago, international observers say. Supporters in Japan remain optimistic, and a study of potential casino impacts has been commissioned – maybe.

Totally globalized native New Yorker and former broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is a blogger for Forbes and author of Hong Kong On Air, a novel set in his adopted hometown during the 1997 handover about television news, love, betrayal, high finance, and cheap lingerie. See his bio, online archive and more at www.muhammadcohen.com; follow him on Facebook and Twitter @MuhammadCohen.

Japan tiptoes toward casinos

Legislators took another small step toward legalizing casinos in Japan this week. Backers hope so-called integrated resorts will open in time for the 2020 Olympics, but the political and bureaucratic process will be a marathon, not a sprint.

Totally globalized native New Yorker and former broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is a blogger for Forbes and author of Hong Kong On Air, a novel set in his adopted hometown during the 1997 handover about television news, love, betrayal, high finance, and cheap lingerie. See his bio, online archive and more at www.muhammadcohen.com; follow him on Facebook and Twitter @MuhammadCohen.