Osaka is going ahead with the development of the man-made island of Yumeshima which should accommodate a casino resort by 2024 and apply to host the World Expo in 2025.

The project is conditioned by the new casino legislationexpected to be passed by the Diet until the end of the year, as well as by securing the estimated ¥70 billion to extend Osaka’s subway to reach Yumeshima.

The plan foresees the construction of an integrated resort on the island, featuring a casino, conference hall, hotels, shopping centers and galleries. The total construction costs, including the Expo 2025 site, amount to ¥824 billion.

The city’s nomination for the world exhibition which will focus on health and medical technology is not very popular among the public. Paris is the other serious contender for the event. The winner will be chosen in November 2018.

According to Osaka Mayor Hirofumi Yoshimura, in case neither the casino takes off nor the bid for Expo 2025 is successful, there will be further discussions on Yumeshima’s future.