[TAIMATSU × Digital Wallet] Fully compliant with the 2026 tax-free refund system! The tax-free system "SAMURAI TAX" and the international money transfer service "TAX REFUND JAPAN" have begun a partnership.

TAIMATSU Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Weihan Wang; hereinafter "TAIMATSU"), which promotes the appeal of traditional crafts both domestically and internationally, centered on its Japanese kitchen knife brand "MUSASHI JAPAN," and Digital Wallet Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Eiji Miyagawa; hereinafter "Digital Wallet"), a fund transfer service provider operating one of Japan's largest international remittance businesses, have begun a system integration between TAIMATSU's new tax-free procedure support service, "SAMURAI TAX," and Digital Wallet's international remittance service for tax refunds, "TAX REFUND JAPAN," in anticipation of the major revision to the consumption tax exemption system for inbound tourists scheduled for November 2026.

Through this partnership, we will provide a safe, reliable, and fully compliant tax refund solution that offers high convenience for both tax-free businesses and international visitors to Japan.

*Due to the revision of the Consumption Tax Act (effective November 2026), the tax exemption system for foreign travelers will undergo significant changes, including a shift to a refund-based system (post-departure refund system) primarily aimed at preventing illegal resale, as well as changes to tax exemption requirements.

◼︎ Background of the Partnership

1. Expansion of the Inbound Market and the 2026 Shift to the "Refund System"

The number of foreign visitors to Japan continues to grow steadily, and the scale of tax-free transactions is expanding year by year. However, there has also been a rising trend in fraudulent tax exemption applications and resale activities. As a countermeasure, Japan's tax exemption system will transition from the current "point-of-sale exemption" to a "refund system" effective November 1, 2026. Under this new system, consumption tax refunds will be processed after customs approval upon departure, making the implementation of a system to remit refunds to foreign visitors after they return home essential.

2. A Tax-Free Service Born from Retail Operations

TAIMATSU has accumulated practical experience in tax-free operations and systemic challenges through its own retail stores, where over 90% of customers are foreign visitors. Based on this experience, "SAMURAI TAX" was developed as a tax-free service that truly meets the needs of the front lines.  

3. A Remittance Service Compliant with Japanese Financial Regulations for Tax Refunds

As a solution to execute consumption tax refunds for foreign visitors in a "safe, reliable, and smooth" manner, Digital Wallet has developed "TAX REFUND JAPAN," a new international remittance service designed for the refund system. This service leverages the system and operational infrastructure of "Smiles Mobile Remittance," the international remittance service for foreign residents that Digital Wallet has long operated as a licensed fund transfer provider.  

■ Features of the "SAMURAI TAX" and "TAX REFUND JAPAN" Integration

1. Easy Web-Based Implementation with Zero Setup and Usage Fees

"SAMURAI TAX" does not require the installation of a dedicated app and can be used from any device with a browser. Furthermore, there are no initial or monthly fees; the service operates on a model where fees are deducted from the refund amount, allowing businesses to implement it without any cost burden.

2. Smooth Application Process Completed in as Little as One Minute

The service supports passport scanning and QR code reading from Visit Japan Web. Additionally, by integrating with Shopify POS, it automatically retrieves order information, significantly reducing the operational burden on staff.

3. Safe and Reliable Remittance of Refunds

Refunds are returned to foreign visitors through Digital Wallet's remittance service, "TAX REFUND JAPAN." While the refund system requires smooth remittance, it also necessitates strict identity verification and screening against economic sanctions lists to comply with international anti-money laundering standards. "TAX REFUND JAPAN" ensures compliance through a rigorous screening system while providing a comprehensive range of remittance methods—including credit cards, bank transfers, mobile wallets, and cash pickup—to meet the diverse global needs of visitors to Japan.

■ Future Outlook

Through this partnership, TAIMATSU Co., Ltd. and Digital Wallet Corporation will establish a new standard for trust and convenience in the Japanese tax-free market. Moving forward, we will expand the adoption of this service to tax-free businesses nationwide, enhance its features for greater convenience and security, and contribute to improving the shopping experience for foreign visitors while supporting the sound implementation of Japan's tax exemption system.

■ Representative Comments

Comment from Weihan Wang, Representative Director, TAIMATSU Co., Ltd.

In our own retail operations, we have focused on multilingual support and inbound marketing to provide international visitors with a more comfortable and satisfying shopping experience. We currently operate 25 stores both in Japan and overseas, serving customers from 166 countries and regions. With our workforce expected to exceed 300 employees, we are continuously accumulating expertise in on-site operations and customer service within the inbound market.

At the same time, we recognize that the operational burden of tax-exemption procedures and the loss of time during customer service are significant challenges for many retailers. We are delighted to partner with Digital Wallet to offer "SAMURAI TAX," which complies with the tax-refund system taking effect in November 2026. Through this service, we will reduce the operational burden on stores while providing international visitors with a smoother and more reliable refund experience.

Furthermore, by leveraging our expertise in multilingual support for 42 languages, inbound customer attraction, web marketing, video production, social media management, and store opening planning, we aim to use this tax-exemption service as a gateway to support the growth of many more small and medium-sized retailers.

TAIMATSU will continue to work with our partner, Digital Wallet, to create new value and deliver Japan's exceptional products, technology, and culture to people around the world.

Comment from Eiji Miyagawa, Representative Director, Digital Wallet Corporation

We are very pleased to partner with TAIMATSU to provide a solution that is fully compliant with the tax-refund system taking effect in November 2026.

Digital Wallet leverages its expertise in strict financial regulations as a fund transfer service provider and the infrastructure developed through our international remittance service for foreign residents, "Smiles Mobile Remittance," to ensure safe and reliable refunds through "TAX REFUND JAPAN."

We believe this will minimize the operational burden for tax-exempt businesses and provide a seamless refund process for inbound travelers.

Through the provision of this product, we will contribute to the development of Japan's inbound market.

Company Overview

TAIMATSU Co., Ltd.

Established: November 2023
Representative Director: Weihan Wang
Address: 22F, Harumi Island Triton Square Office Tower X, 1-8-10 Harumi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
URL: https://www.tai-matsu.jp/
Business Description: We redefine traditional Japanese crafts. With team members from diverse backgrounds, we pursue the potential of traditional crafts from an innovative perspective—ranging from Japanese kitchen knives and sake to experiential facilities—and share them with the world.

Digital Wallet Corporation

Established: November 2014
Representative Director: Eiji Miyagawa
Address: 3-6 Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
URL: https://www.digitalwallet.co.jp/
Business Description: Founded primarily by former Sony engineers, we are a technology company dedicated to realizing a diverse and peaceful global society through AI and Fintech. We provide electronic wallet services, develop cloud and mobile systems, and operate services such as "Smiles Mobile Remittance," one of Japan's largest mobile international money transfer services.