Digital Tax-Free Counter "PIE VAT Station," a Top Shareholder in Domestic Commercial Facilities, Opens on May 1, 2026 (Friday) at Abeno Q's Mall in Osaka

Pie Systems Inc. (Headquarters: California, CEO: Sunny Long)'s Japanese subsidiary, Pie Systems Japan Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Hiroaki Mizuno) (hereinafter "Pie Systems"), announces the opening of its digital tax-free counter "PIE VAT Station" at the commercial facility "Abeno Q's Mall" (Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture), operated by Tokyu Land SC Management Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director and President: Jiro Okubo), starting May 1, 2026 (Friday).

By introducing "PIE VAT Station," Pie Systems aims to establish a system in advance for the tax exemption system reform (transition to the refund method) scheduled for November 2026, ensuring a smooth operational transition without confusion at the site when the reform takes effect. Furthermore, through "Tax-Free DX," Pie Systems will support the expansion of inbound consumption and the promotion of attracting visitors to regional areas, which are important themes of the government's "Basic Plan for Promoting a Tourism-Oriented Country."

Features of "PIE VAT Station":

✔︎ Minimizes the burden on stores for inbound対応 with zero introduction cost

Tax-free procedures for foreign visitors' shopping at stores within the facility are handled collectively, minimizing the burden on stores regarding tax-free sales. Stores can conduct tax-free sales with their usual cash register processing.

✔︎ Top-class share in commercial facility adoption

"PIE VAT Station" is a tax-free counter with a top-class track record of adoption in domestic commercial facilities. With support that is well-versed in inbound measures, it assists commercial facilities in capturing inbound demand and marketing efforts.

✔︎ Abundant experience with the "refund method" compliant with tax exemption system reform (Note 1)

Since its service launch in Japan in 2021, Pie Systems has operated tax-free counters compatible with the "refund method," offering extensive experience for confident adoption. By simply introducing "PIE VAT Station," commercial facilities can establish an operational system that complies with the revised tax exemption system in advance, allowing for a smooth transition when the reform takes effect.

✔︎ Enables next-generation "during-travel" marketing utilizing contact points with foreign visitors

Pie Systems utilizes contact points such as tax-free procedures for foreign visitors to directly approach "during-travel" foreign visitors through the "PIE VAT" app, based on contextual information such as purchasing, stay area, and timing. It promotes marketing utilization that connects in-stay behavior to concrete actions such as participation in experiences, circulation to regional areas, and purchases.

Comment from Tokyu Land SC Management Facility Operations Manager:

"Abeno Q's Mall" is a mall-type commercial facility directly connected to Tennoji Station, Osaka's third-largest terminal station, leveraging its rare and vast site size in an urban area. With approximately 230 stores offering fashion, general goods, and character shops, it is enjoyed by customers of all ages, from children to adults, and is utilized by many domestic and international customers.

By introducing Pie Systems' "digital tax-free counter," we expect to reduce the operational burden on our tenants and improve the customer experience for foreign visitors, while also attracting more customers.

Comment from Pie Systems Japan CEO / Hiroaki Mizuno:

We are very pleased with the introduction of "PIE VAT Station" at "Abeno Q's Mall," which attracts many tourists in Osaka, a popular inbound destination. "PIE VAT Station" has been introduced in numerous commercial facilities nationwide, including the five major cities, and boasts a top-class share in Japan.

After the transition to the "refund method" (system reform) scheduled for November 2026, confusion is expected among foreign visitors and at store fronts due to operational changes. By completing the transition to the "refund method" and staff training with ample time, operations compliant with the reform can be started in advance, allowing for a confident welcome of the system reform. Businesses considering adapting to the new system are encouraged to consider introducing "PIE VAT Station."

Pie Systems aims to maximize purchasing opportunities for foreign visitors by enhancing the convenience of tax-free procedures, and through the "PIE VAT" app, it enables "during-travel" marketing that proposes regional experiential content to foreign visitors. Through Pie Systems' unique "Tax-Free DX," we will work to expand inbound consumption and promote attracting visitors to regional areas.

Note 1) When foreign visitors pay consumption tax at a tax-free store when purchasing goods, and their export is confirmed upon departure, the goods are processed through an export goods sales office.