Honest as a samurai. TAIMATSU Inc. launches "SAMURAI TAX," a tax-free system supporting the new refund-based tax exemption scheme.

October 26, 2026

Honest as a samurai. TAIMATSU Inc. launches "SAMURAI TAX," a tax-free system supporting the new refund-based tax exemption scheme.

TAIMATSU Co., Ltd., which promotes the appeal of traditional crafts both in Japan and abroad—centered on its Japanese kitchen knife brand "MUSASHI JAPAN"—has launched "SAMURAI TAX," a new service that supports duty-free shops and tax-exemption procedures for non-residents.

With an eye on the major revision of the tax-exemption system scheduled for November 2026 (the transition to a refund-based system), we are providing a highly convenient tax-exemption solution for both businesses and international visitors to Japan.

■ Background of the Business

1. Expansion of the Inbound Market and Rising Demand for Tax-Free Shopping

The number of international tourists visiting Japan continues to grow year by year, reaching a record high of approximately 42.68 million in 2025 (according to JNTO statistics). Furthermore, both per-capita spending and the number of duty-free shops are on an upward trend, reaching record levels.

2. A Major Shift in the Tax-Exemption System

Effective November 1, 2026, the tax-exemption system will transition from the current "point-of-sale tax exemption" to a "refund-based system."
Under this new system, travelers will pay the tax-inclusive price at the time of purchase and receive a consumption tax refund after customs approval upon departure. With this change, it will be essential for businesses to implement a refund processing system.

3. A Service Born from Real-World Experience

TAIMATSU Co., Ltd. has been operating the Japanese kitchen knife business "MUSASHI JAPAN" since 2020, with over 90% of our customers being international visitors. Since opening our physical store in 2023 and operating as a duty-free shop, we have gained practical, hands-on experience with application workflows, on-site operations, and the challenges of the current system.
Based on this experience, we developed "SAMURAI TAX" as a tax-exemption service that truly meets the needs of the front lines.

■ Features of "SAMURAI TAX"

1. Easy Web-Based Implementation

No dedicated app installation is required. It can be used from any device with a web browser.
* If you are not yet registered as a duty-free shop, separate registration is required.

2. Smooth Applications Completed in as Little as One Minute

Supports passport scanning and reading of Visit Japan Web QR codes.
Furthermore, by integrating with Shopify POS, it automatically retrieves order information, significantly reducing the operational burden on staff.
* Installation of a dedicated application on Shopify POS is required.

3. Zero Implementation and Usage Fees

No initial or monthly fees.
Our model charges a commission on refunds, allowing businesses to implement the system at no cost.
*A device with browser access is required.

4. A secure refund system supporting the refund method

We partner with "TAX REFUND JAPAN," operated by Digital Wallet Corporation—one of Japan's largest licensed funds transfer service providers for international remittances—to ensure safe and seamless tax refunds.

■ Future Outlook

Through "SAMURAI TAX," TAIMATSU Inc. is committed to establishing a new standard for trust and convenience in the Japanese tax-free market.
Moving forward, we will expand our reach to tax-free businesses nationwide while enhancing our service features to be more convenient and secure, ultimately contributing to an improved shopping experience for international visitors to Japan.

Company Overview: TAIMATSU Inc.

Established: November 2023
Representative Director: Weihan Wang
Address: 22F, Office Tower X, Harumi Island Triton Square, 1-8-10 Harumi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
URL: https://www.tai-matsu.jp/
E-mail: help@tai-matsu.jp

TAIMATSU Inc. is a company dedicated to redefining traditional Japanese crafts. Our team, composed of members with diverse backgrounds from around the world, pursues the potential of traditional crafts through an innovative lens. From Japanese kitchen knives and sake to experience-based facilities that embody the spirit of the samurai, the services and products we create bring out the full charm of tradition and share it with the world.