#Japan #Tokyo #SNKRDUNK #soda #Ocean

SODA Partners with Ocean Tax Refund for Enhanced Shopping Experience

In an exciting development for both shoppers and retailers, SODA, the company behind the popular sneaker and trading card marketplace, SNKRDUNK, has officially announced the integration of Ocean’s Tax Refund service into its physical stores in Japan. This strategic collaboration aims to enhance the buying experience for inbound travelers and aims for long-term customer retention as Japan prepares to implement a new tax refund system in November 2026.

The Background: Tax Refunds as a Key Driver for Foreign Shoppers

According to recent reports from the Japan Tourism Agency, inbound consumption is projected to hit a record high of 9.5 trillion yen by 2025. Of this, approximately 2.5 trillion yen is estimated to be spent on shopping alone. Notably popular among international visitors are sneakers and trading cards, both of which symbolize significant shopping interest from travelers.

Many popular retail locations see thousands of foreign visitors daily, with a considerable number of them making purchase decisions based on the availability of tax refunds. This demonstrates the vital role tax exemptions play in driving sales and customer engagement.

Come November 2026, Japan’s tax exemption system will transition from the traditional “in-store tax discount” method to a “post-departure refund” model. While this may complicate procedures for travelers and create potential challenges at retail locations, the new system encourages an ongoing relationship with customers beyond their departure, opening opportunities for repeat business and cross-border e-commerce.

SODA's Approach: Clouding the New Tax System into Inbound Strategy

SODA’s mission is to create the next marketplace that captivates audiences globally. By building a passionate community of sneaker and trading card enthusiasts, SODA has successfully established physical stores in key urban areas in Japan. At their flagship SNKRDUNK STORE, around 40% of sales come from inbound customers, while the SNKRDUNK TRADING CARD AKIHABARA store attracts travelers from all over the world.

Furthermore, trading cards have become increasingly sought after by visitors who travel to Japan specifically to engage with Japanese culture. This high rate of return visits from inbound customers highlights the importance of delivering an outstanding experience that fosters their desire to come back. By bringing in Ocean Tax Refund, SODA aims to solidify this customer experience under the forthcoming tax system.

Designing a Sustainable Visitor Experience

One key factor that influenced SODA’s decision to partner with Ocean was the company's commitment to not merely implement the new tax system but to evolve the `inbound marketing` strategy sustainably.

Creating Revisit Incentives for Travelers

Under the new tax system, procedures for inbound travelers will shift significantly. Together, both SODA and Ocean plan to develop easy-to-navigate services, such as a multilingual guidance system for first-time visitors and a clear refund process to follow during repeat visits. Creating a seamless experience for travelers is a top priority.

Simplifying Management for Better Operations

While the new refund method introduces additional complexities, Ocean Tax Refund is designed to integrate smoothly without altering existing checkout processes. This minimizes operational burdens while providing multilingual customer support, making it easier for travelers from around the world to use the service.

Beyond Tax Refunds: Cultivating Inbound Marketing Opportunities

The collaboration also aims to develop marketing strategies that nurture the relationship with international customers, providing pathways to cross-border e-commerce and targeted promotions even after they depart Japan.

Both companies are committed to rolling out the Ocean Tax Refund service to all SODA stores, with plans for future expansion aligned with SODA's growth.

For deeper insights into SODA's decision-making process regarding the Ocean Tax Refund service and strategic plans in the new tax era, a detailed interview with SODA is available.

Comments from Company Representatives

Shingo Nakayama, Manager, Store Development Department, SODA:
"Our stores have a significant percentage of inbound customers, making tax exemption a crucial growth factor. As the number of visitors looking for unique Japanese culture, particularly in trading cards, continues to rise, the 2026 system reform represents a critical turning point. It is vital that we provide a seamless experience that makes guests want to return. Ocean's proactive approach to designing services for the new system reflects our vision for inbound strategy."

Ryo Hoshino, CEO, Ocean:
"We are thrilled that SODA has chosen our Ocean Tax Refund service. Many visitors to SNKRDUNK seek rare items and unique Japanese products, demonstrating their passion for our culture. Our aim is to transform the visitor experience from being merely transactional to fostering continuous engagement, crafting a shopping experience that transcends borders."

Company Overview

SODA, Inc.

• - CEO: Yuta Uchiyama
• - Location: Shibuya, Tokyo
• - Business: Marketplace for fashion and collectibles, SNKRDUNK
• - Website: https://soda-inc.jp

Ocean, Inc.

• - CEO: Ryo Hoshino
• - Location: Chuo, Tokyo
• - Business: Developing tax refund and shopping platforms for inbound visitor experiences.
• - Website: https://ocean.inc

For further inquiries regarding this partnership, please contact Ocean's PR department at [email protected].