Hard Rock joins the Osaka Expo Team

Hard Rock International has become the third international IR operator to join Osaka’s 2025 World Expo bid as an Official Partner, signaling their seriousness in competing with the likes of Las Vegas Sands, MGM, and Melco for what is likely to become the first major urban IR in the Japanese market.

A Hard Rock Japan executive tells Asia Gaming Brief, “Hard Rock has had a business presence in Osaka now for 25 years, and most Osaka residents grew up patronizing the Hard Rock Cafe in Honmachi and at Universal Studios Japan. As it is our company’s culture of being a supportive corporate citizen in cities and countries which we do business in, it is natural and right that Hard Rock International gives its endorsement and support to Osaka City’s bid to host the World Expo 2025 in conjunction with the IR plans for the development vision for Yumeshima.”

Melco Resorts & Entertainment pioneered this particular lobbying strategy in October, and was followed by MGM Resorts in late November. Hard Rock’s participation puts three IR operators on the growing list of Official Partners for the Expo bid.

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