On Feb. 15, U.S. Ambassador to Japan William Hagerty visited the Hokkaido Prefectural Government Building and met with Governor Harumi Takahashi. With regard to the North Korean ballistic missiles that passed over Hokkaido on two occasions last year, Mr. Hagerty said, “The United States will supply unwavering support to Japan.”

This was Ambassador Hagerty’s first visit to Hokkaido. Governor Takahashi said, “I would like the Japanese government to collaborate with the United States and engage in diplomatic efforts to make sure that [North Korean missile launches over Hokkaido] never happen again.”

The governor said U.S. casino operators have expressed interest in setting up integrated resorts (IRs) centered on casinos in Hokkaido. “We have not decided whether to allow IRs in Hokkaido, but having interested American casino operators visit Hokkaido to study the situation would be very meaningful in expanding tourism exchange.” Hagerty said, “I would like Hokkaido to consider U.S. casino operators.”