Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government hopes casino tourism can help boost a lackluster economy hamstrung by a shrinking, aging workforce. Japan aims to attract an annual 60 million visitors. Casino legalization means a ban on private-sector gambling will be lifted for the first time ever in Japan — a historic policy shift in a nation where gambling has long been outlawed.
Editor's Note: Round 1 Entertainment Centerwas originally reviewed on Okinawa Hai on June 12, 2009; you can read a PDF copy of that original review HERE. The post below is an updated take on this attraction, published August 9, 2016.
CONTRIBUTED BY LOUISE DUPUY
Round 1 is a 24-hour amusement place that offers bowling, arcades, sports, karaoke, food and drinks. It has much to offer everyone of all ages – read on to find out more!
Entrance
Okinawa Japan November Weather
Round 1 can be a bit intimidating on the first visit because it's huge. Spread over multiple floors, it can seem like it might be a bit of a chore to navigate. Not at all. The floors are laid out in sections, so check the map next to the elevators (which have English as well as Japanese translations), and hit the button for the floor you want! Each area has various options for entrance. You can choose to stay for a minimum of 90 minutes, 3 hours, or a 24-hour pass. Each of these options can then be supplemented with drinks and food vouchers too, and you can combine options, so if you want to do bowling as well as the arcade, you can add them together. Prices are okay; for a big family it would be a fairly expensive trip, however, you can make it cheaper.
Loyalty Card
These are free to apply for. Bring them to every visit and make sure the staff stamps them, earning you discounts and rewards the more you visit. Also, download Round 1's app. It's all in Japanese, however, if you show it to staff, they can help you add coupons and discounts to your loyalty card, further reducing your entrance! Great way to save, and gives you an excuse to go back more than once!
This just answered my what to do on the first day of summer break question. Thank you!
Okinawa Japan Casino
Okinawa rejects plans for gambling casinos
More than eight years of research, studies and planning have been tossed by the wayside as Okinawa Prefecture is backing out of proposals for resorts that have casinos.
Okinawa Prefecture officials, perhaps yielding to the new governor, Takeshi Onaga, had announced they will not include funds for gambling or casino projects in its upcoming fiscal year 2015 budget. Onaga, who took office nearly a month ago, opposes having casinos on Okinawa.
The prefecture has been studying the issue of legalizing casinos for nearly eight years, determining that such casino resorts could boost Okinawa's economy by ¥219 billion ($1.8 billion) per year, while generating new jobs for upwards of 54,000 citizens. Over the past few years, Okinawa Prefecture has set forth roughly ¥85 billion to develop casino plans.
Onaga's position opposing the casinos began with his belief 'Gambling addiction is a concern', while emphasizing he things gambling and casinos 'could have a negative impact on Okinawa's tourism industry, which has been doing well in recent years.
