[TAIMATSU × Digital Wallet] Fully compliant with 2026 tax-free refund system! 'SAMURAI TAX' and 'TAX REFUND JAPAN' begin system integration
TAIMATSU and Digital Wallet have launched a partnership to provide a comprehensive tax-free refund solution for the 2026 regulatory shift. The service integrates 'SAMURAI TAX' for retailers and 'TAX REFUND JAPAN' for secure international remittances to tourists.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 27, 2026 at 18:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 27, 2026 at 09:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 28, 2026 at 03:10 (17h 38m after Collected)
TAIMATSU Co., Ltd. (HQ: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Wang Weihan), known for its Japanese kitchen knife brand 'MUSASHI JAPAN,' and Digital Wallet Corporation (HQ: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Eiji Miyakawa), a major international remittance provider, have announced the integration of their systems. This collaboration targets the significant 2026 overhaul of Japan's consumption tax exemption system for inbound tourists.
The partnership links TAIMATSU's new 'SAMURAI TAX' support service with Digital Wallet's 'TAX REFUND JAPAN' remittance platform. Together, they offer a secure, compliant, and highly convenient solution for the upcoming 'Refund Method' (post-departure refund) set to begin in November 2026.
### Background of the Collaboration
1. **Expansion of Inbound Market and 2026 Legal Changes:** As tourist numbers grow, so does the risk of illicit resale. Starting November 1, 2026, Japan will shift from the current 'point-of-sale exemption' to a 'refund method' where tourists receive refunds only after customs clearance at the time of departure. This necessitates a robust system to remit funds to travelers after they leave the country.
2. **Born from Real Retail Experience:** TAIMATSU developed 'SAMURAI TAX' based on challenges faced at its own stores, where over 90% of customers are foreign tourists. The service is designed to address real-world operational needs.
3. **Compliance with Japanese Financial Regulations:** Digital Wallet leveraged its infrastructure from 'Smiles Mobile Remittance' to create 'TAX REFUND JAPAN.' This service ensures secure and smooth refunds while strictly adhering to international AML (Anti-Money Laundering) standards and screening processes.
### Key Features of the Integration
1. **Web-Based and Zero-Cost:** 'SAMURAI TAX' requires no app installation and can be used on any browser. It features zero initial and monthly fees, operating on a commission model deducted from the refund amount.
2. **Efficient Application Process:** The system supports passport scanning and Visit Japan Web QR codes. Integration with Shopify POS allows automatic retrieval of order information, significantly reducing on-site workload.
3. **Secure and Diverse Remittance:** Refunds are processed via 'TAX REFUND JAPAN.' It supports various payout methods, including credit cards, bank transfers, mobile wallets, and cash pickups, while maintaining strict compliance screening against sanctioned individuals.
### Future Outlook
TAIMATSU and Digital Wallet aim to set a new standard for reliability and convenience in Japan's tax-free market. They plan to expand their services nationwide, enhancing features to improve the shopping experience for foreign visitors and contribute to the integrity of the national tax-free system.
The partnership links TAIMATSU's new 'SAMURAI TAX' support service with Digital Wallet's 'TAX REFUND JAPAN' remittance platform. Together, they offer a secure, compliant, and highly convenient solution for the upcoming 'Refund Method' (post-departure refund) set to begin in November 2026.
### Background of the Collaboration
1. **Expansion of Inbound Market and 2026 Legal Changes:** As tourist numbers grow, so does the risk of illicit resale. Starting November 1, 2026, Japan will shift from the current 'point-of-sale exemption' to a 'refund method' where tourists receive refunds only after customs clearance at the time of departure. This necessitates a robust system to remit funds to travelers after they leave the country.
2. **Born from Real Retail Experience:** TAIMATSU developed 'SAMURAI TAX' based on challenges faced at its own stores, where over 90% of customers are foreign tourists. The service is designed to address real-world operational needs.
3. **Compliance with Japanese Financial Regulations:** Digital Wallet leveraged its infrastructure from 'Smiles Mobile Remittance' to create 'TAX REFUND JAPAN.' This service ensures secure and smooth refunds while strictly adhering to international AML (Anti-Money Laundering) standards and screening processes.
### Key Features of the Integration
1. **Web-Based and Zero-Cost:** 'SAMURAI TAX' requires no app installation and can be used on any browser. It features zero initial and monthly fees, operating on a commission model deducted from the refund amount.
2. **Efficient Application Process:** The system supports passport scanning and Visit Japan Web QR codes. Integration with Shopify POS allows automatic retrieval of order information, significantly reducing on-site workload.
3. **Secure and Diverse Remittance:** Refunds are processed via 'TAX REFUND JAPAN.' It supports various payout methods, including credit cards, bank transfers, mobile wallets, and cash pickups, while maintaining strict compliance screening against sanctioned individuals.
### Future Outlook
TAIMATSU and Digital Wallet aim to set a new standard for reliability and convenience in Japan's tax-free market. They plan to expand their services nationwide, enhancing features to improve the shopping experience for foreign visitors and contribute to the integrity of the national tax-free system.