
CasinoReports: All Japan Poker Tournament
...The second annual All Japan Poker Championship (AJPC) has finally arrived and will take place from April 27 – May 18 in Tokyo. The tournament awards a winner with a seat at the World Series of Poker Championship. Currently, casinos are illegal in Japan – hence the excitement for the games. Global Max’s main objective is to give standardized poker a spot in Japan's culture. The firm believes the event will open Japan’s gates for international tournaments leading to a healthier society...One fact that makes the AJPC different than the rest of the poker tournaments around the world is that it has no entrance fee – a side effect of the Japanese law preventing organized gambling. The event is funded by the Saga Sammy – known for their gaming hardware and software. The winner of the tournament will receive a bracelet and a seat worth over $10,000 at the World Series of Poker – including airfare and accommodations.
Among the other sponsors of the event are Japan Casino School and the Osaka University of Commerce. The latter isn't so surprising when you know that its President, Ichiro Tanioka, is a leading advisor to the LDP's Casino Study Group who are pushing for the legalization of casinos in Japan.