Quick takes

Japan approves its first casino

Tokyo has been flip-flopping on this issue for more than a decade, so this should be filed under: “I will believe it when I see it.” Regardless, Nikkei Asia is reporting that Japan has approved a gaming license in Osaka which should eventually translate into additional MICE capacity in the city. The casino is scheduled to open in 2029.

Jack’s back and Alibaba’s “soft split”

Robin Hu, the chairman of Constellar and vice chairman of Asia at Temasek, adds his commentary to the return of Jack Ma to China and to the (sort of) break-up of the Alibaba Group. Does Beijing even know what it wants with its tech giants?

Alibaba to launch digital watch trade show

Speaking of Alibaba, the e-commerce giant’s marketplace Tmall has agreed to create a 3-D app for the Watches & Wonders trade show which is held in Geneva. Ten luxury watch brands will showcase over forty watches on Tmall’s Luxury Pavilion. One wonders if the Chinese buyers will avoid that pesky luxury tax that Beijing likes to slap good such as pricey timepieces?

Tokyo CVB creates event carbon footprint calculator

The Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau has created a carbon footprint calculator to help support sustainable events in Japan. The app is meant to enable organisers better understand the environmental impact of their events.