#Japan #Tokyo #LINE Mini App #Duty-Free #Ocean Inc.

Ocean Inc. Introduces a Revolutionary Duty-Free LINE Mini App

In a groundbreaking move for the travel and retail sector, Ocean Inc. has officially launched the world’s first duty-free mini app on LINE. This innovative service allows international tourists hailing from regions such as Taiwan, Thailand, and South Korea to manage duty-free purchases and apply for refunds directly via LINE, all without the need for app downloads or tedious new registrations.

1. About Ocean Inc.

As of November 2026, Japan is set to transition from a traditional "point-of-purchase tax exemption" system to a "post-purchase refund" model. Ocean sees this regulatory change not just as a compliance requirement, but as a crucial opportunity to enhance the tourism experience for visitors to Japan. Their vision is to create a next-generation duty-free solution that delivers value for both travelers and Japanese retailers.

To achieve this, Ocean is focusing on a seamless, stress-free duty-free experience by embracing digital transformation in tax exemption services, utilizing AI, OCR, and data infrastructure. The aim is to alleviate complications arising from the regulatory changes through technology, ultimately benefiting both tourists and retailers in Japan.

2. The First of Its Kind Duty-Free LINE Mini App

Ocean’s mini app on LINE is a pioneering development in the realm of duty-free services.

Why Choose LINE Mini Apps?

LINE is one of the most commonly used applications among international travelers during their stay in Japan. This fact holds particularly true for visitors from major markets such as Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, and South Korea, where LINE boasts a high penetration rate. Ocean prioritized the idea of delivering services in an environment that travelers are already comfortable with.

Downloading new applications or searching for URLs during a trip adds unnecessary stress and can lead to frustration during the refund process. Recognizing this behavioral trend among travelers, Ocean has designed a tax refund system that operates entirely through the LINE mini app, providing a straightforward and user-friendly interface that can be accessed effortlessly while traveling.

Value Proposition

The LINE mini app from Ocean allows users to log in using their LINE ID and efficiently manage the entire refund process from application to progress tracking. By having everything available within a familiar communication platform, it not only becomes the new standard for ease of use but also significantly reduces the traditional complexities of tax refund procedures.

• - No Registration Required: Users can simply log in with their LINE ID to start the refund process immediately without any additional app installation or complicated membership registration.
• - Real-Time Exemption Status Tracking: The app is designed in accordance with the new tax regulations, enabling travelers to track their refund application and completion status at any time, providing peace of mind both during and after their travels.
• - LINE Chat Customer Support: Users can enjoy rapid customer service support through LINE chat, minimizing language barriers and procedural uncertainties.

3. Future Developments

With the vision of enhancing shopping experiences for international visitors, Ocean aims to more actively utilize the features of the LINE ecosystem through its mini app. This will cater specifically to the behavioral patterns and environments of travelers from major markets like Taiwan, South Korea, and Thailand where LINE is widely adopted.

Beyond these markets, Ocean intends to adapt its services by leveraging tools and platforms commonly used in other countries, optimizing user experiences according to distinct cultural practices and daily habits.

Ocean is committed to providing an exceptionally natural and comfortable shopping experience for international tourists, akin to shopping in their home country, even while in Japan. This initiative aims to continually enhance convenience and service value, contributing further to the retail and tourism sectors in Japan.

4. Company Information

• - Company Name: Ocean Inc.
• - CEO: Ryo Hoshino
• - Location: 105-6415 Tokyo, Minato City, Toranomon 1-17-1, Toranomon Hills Business Tower, 15th Floor
• - Established: May 2024
• - Capital: 138.04 million yen (including capital reserve)
• - Website: ocean.inc
• - Memberships: Japan Fintech Association, Japan Omni-Channel Association
• - Tax Exemption Approval Business Number: 1-0100-0124-5294-0140-0001

For inquiries, contact: Ocean Inc. Public Relations, E-Mail: [email protected]