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The Nagasaki District Court on Tuesday began hearings by both sides related to a lawsuit aimed at deterring Japan's prefectural governor from using public money in efforts to build casinos and integrated resorts (IRs), information collated by GGRAsia's Japan correspondent. 바카라사이트
In September, an organization called "Stop Casino Nagasaki Prefecture Network" filed a complaint on behalf of eight people, claiming that the current government, led by prefectural governor Genko Oishi, had signed a contract with a law firm and other advisers for about 110 million yen (US$737,399).
According to media reports, the deal was intended to review the prefecture's IR area development plan and related tasks required during the bidding process for the casino resort.
The lobby argues that the money is an improper use of public funds, arguing that IR applications are unlikely to be approved at a national level.
During Tuesday's hearing, the plaintiffs argued that Nagasaki's fundraising plan was a "major problem," according to GGRAsia's Japan correspondent, which the prefecture claimed "never gave adequate confirmation" of the plan.
A legal representative for the prefecture told the hearing that the payment was "appropriate" because "specific work related to evaluation" of the proposal had to be carried out.
Nagasaki Prefecture (pictured) submitted a proposal to the government for a casino resort in late April. Nagasaki Prefecture's private sector partner for the plan is Casino Austria International Japan Co., Ltd.
The proposed site is a piece of land next to the Huis Ten Bosch theme park in Sasebo, within the prefecture. A figure of 438.3 billion yen was mentioned for Nagasaki's plan.
Oishi said some parties had given what the prefecture called "a commitment" regarding its role as funders for the scheme, but the lawsuit did not disclose evidence documents.
On Tuesday, the plaintiffs argued that the prefecture's letters to the central government "will not meet" the requirements set by the central authorities.Therefore, Nagasaki's plan "is unlikely to be approved" and the prefecture will not have to spend more resources, they added.
The next court session is scheduled for December.