In a strategic move set to reshape the landscape of Japan's inbound tourism segment, WAmazing Inc. has joined forces with ITFOR Inc. to establish a capital and operational alliance focused on regional revitalization. Effective April 1, 2026, this partnership aims to leverage WAmazing's extensive inbound platform, which currently serves over 600,000 foreign tourists visiting Japan, and ITFOR's strong customer and sales bases to promote regional consumption.
The Alliance and Its Purpose
WAmazing, headquartered in Taito, Tokyo, is widely recognized for its innovative platform that allows international travelers to order products online before their arrival and ease the tax-free shopping process in Japan. Following recent reforms to Japan's tax exemption system set to take effect in November 2026, WAmazing plans to utilize its operational infrastructure to provide a 'Tax Free As A Service' (TFaaS) system. This service will be offered to retailers, manufacturers, and e-commerce companies, utilizing a SaaS model to streamline the tax exemption process.
By collaborating with ITFOR, a company dedicated to supporting local financial institutions, municipalities, and department stores, WAmazing aims to enhance social contributions through regional development. This partnership combines ITFOR's extensive local networks with WAmazing's TFaaS capabilities to create a new infrastructure that promotes inbound tourism consumption in regional areas.
Understanding Tax Free as a Service (TFaaS)
The TFaaS platform encompasses a seamless and flexible approach to tax-free sales, integrating backend support for tax refund processes, multilingual e-commerce solutions, and shared delivery infrastructures. With reforms to the tax exemption framework set for November 2026, this platform identifies the immediate need for efficient collaboration among businesses to secure and utilize key resources like tax-exempt vending machines and distribution hubs.
The collaboration between WAmazing and ITFOR serves not only as a business strategy but as a crucial response to the anticipated complexities of the new tax refund regulations. The TFaaS platform promises to handle critical elements such as purchase record creation, tax refund processing, and compliance with customs checks, streamlining procedures for businesses aiming to navigate the new tax landscape. Moreover, businesses with their sales channels can integrate this backend solution without revamping their entire infrastructure, establishing a 'one-stop service' for international businesses looking to cater to the inbound tourist market.
About the Companies
WAmazing Inc.
Founded in July 2016 and based in Taito, Tokyo, WAmazing focuses on providing products at tax-exempt prices through an online travel agent platform featuring travel-related products and services for foreign visitors, including ski resort offerings, transport tickets, and various activities.
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ITFOR Inc.
Established in December 1972, ITFOR is situated in Chiyoda, Tokyo, and is publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime under the stock code 4743. Offering solutions for the finance sector, public institutions, retail businesses, and more, ITFOR also ensures customer service post-system implementation which provides enhanced operational support.
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This alliance represents a significant step in fostering regional growth and solidifying Japan's position as a premier destination for foreign tourists, through innovative solutions and impactful partnerships.