NHK reported today that the Tourism Agency conducted a survey of the governments of all prefectures and chartered cities in the country on their plans to invite integrated resorts with casinos. The results of the survey, concluded on Sept. 19, show that nine local governments in eight regions are preparing bids or considering doing so. In addition to Yokohama, Osaka-fu and Osaka City, Wakayama Prefecture, and Nagasaki Prefecture, which have previously announced their plans, Hokkaido, Chiba City, Tokyo, and Nagoya have also shown an interest. Under the law, only up to three IRs will be allowed to operate in the country. The Tourism Agency said that it plans to hold hearings where contenders will present their operational plans and preparations before deciding on the schedule for filing applications by year end.