Ocean to Exhibit at Retail Tech Osaka: Discover Full Support for Japan's New Tax-Free System

Ocean Inc. (headquartered in Chuo City, Tokyo; CEO: Ryo Hoshino; hereinafter 'Ocean'), provider of the tax-free platform 'Ocean Tax Refund' compliant with Japan's new refund-based tax-free system launching in November 2026, will exhibit at Retail Tech Osaka, a retail information systems exhibition held at INTEX Osaka on July 2 (Thu) and 3 (Fri), 2026. At its booth, Ocean will offer live demonstrations and individual consultations for its service, which enables seamless transition to the new tax-free system at zero implementation cost. Visitors can also experience the service from the perspective of inbound tourists, including Japan's first (※) tax-free application via 'LINE Mini App' and 'WeChat Mini Program' (※ Survey by Ocean, June 2026).

Approximately four months remain until the implementation of the new 'refund method' tax-free system.

Starting November 2026, Japan's tax-free system will transition from the current 'in-store immediate tax exemption' to the 'refund method (post-purchase refund)'. This shift will require retailers to make several new operational adjustments:

- Establishing new refund operations - Managing increasingly complex consumption tax processing at the point of sale - Revising data management and compliance protocols - Maintaining a seamless shopping experience for inbound tourists amid regulatory changes

According to a survey by the Japan Tourism Agency, inbound tourist spending reached an annual record of ¥9.5 trillion in 2025. As the inbound market continues to grow, this tax-free reform presents an opportunity to enhance the shopping experience for international visitors.

Ocean is participating in this exhibition as part of its outreach initiative to raise awareness about the new tax-free system and to introduce 'Ocean Tax Refund'—a zero-cost platform enabling retailers to comply with the new regulations. Whether you are considering how to adapt your store to the new system or planning to start offering tax-free shopping, you can explore key compliance points and experience a live demo of 'Ocean Tax Refund' on-site.

Live Demo and Individual Consultations at the Ocean Booth

At the Ocean booth, visitors can experience live demonstrations and receive individual consultations for 'Ocean Tax Refund,' a platform fully compliant with the new tax-free system.

- Simulation of merchant app and tourist tax refund application Experience the actual operation of the merchant app. You can also try the latest feature that uses generative AI to convert your voice into multilingual 'thank you' messages.

Additionally, experience the tax refund application process from the tourist's perspective. The service supports web-based applications without app downloads and is compatible with Japan's first (※) 'LINE Mini App' and 'WeChat Mini Program,' allowing inbound tourists to complete the process smoothly and stress-free (※ Survey by Ocean, June 2026).

- Individual consultations (no reservation required, available throughout) Our team will provide detailed answers regarding compliance strategies and implementation processes. We will also offer tailored guidance based on your store's business type and scale. Feel free to approach us even at the early stages of consideration.

We sincerely look forward to your visit!

Exhibition Overview: Retail Tech Osaka

- Event Dates: July 2 (Thu) – 3 (Fri), 2026 - Hours: 10:00 – 16:30 - Venue: INTEX Osaka (1-5-102 Minamikata Kitashima, Suminoe Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture) - Organizers: Nikkei Inc., TV Osaka - Ocean Booth Number: RT27

▼ Ocean's Exhibition Information https://messe.nikkei.co.jp/exhibitor/info/RS/ja/26020/

▼ Retail Tech Osaka Official Website https://messe.nikkei.co.jp/rs

Three Key Features of the 'Ocean Tax Refund' Platform

'Ocean Tax Refund' is a next-generation tax-free platform designed for Japan's new refund-based tax-free system launching in November 2026.

### Main Features

- Zero implementation cost No initial setup fees or monthly fixed charges. Merchants can adopt the new system without incurring upfront costs.

- Global support for inbound tourists Multilingual support and seamless tax refund applications ensure a smooth experience for international visitors regardless of nationality.

- Simple and secure tax-free operations Leveraging AI and OCR technology, the platform automates tasks from purchase data management to application form generation, enabling simple and secure operations under the new system.

▼ Learn more about 'Ocean Tax Refund' https://service.ocean.inc/refund

Company Overview

Ocean Inc.

- CEO: Ryo Hoshino - Address: 5F, Fujinya Building, 2-6-5 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061 - Founded: May 2024 - Capital: ¥138.04 million (including capital reserves) - Business: Development and provision of tax-free, tax refund, and shopping platforms for inbound shopping experiences - Affiliations: Fintech Association of Japan, Japan Omnichannel Association, Osaka Tourism Bureau - Certifications and Qualifications: - Approved Tax-Free Refund Transmission Operator - ISMS Certification (ISO/IEC 27001) - Privacy Mark (P-Mark) Certification

- Corporate Website: https://ocean.inc - Service Website: https://service.ocean.inc

Media Contact

Public Relations, Ocean Inc. - Email: pr@ocean.inc