#tax refund #Ocean #Hoshino Ryo

Understanding the Upcoming Tax Exemption Changes in Japan

As Japan gears up for a monumental shift in its tax exemption landscape, significant changes are slated for November 2026. Spearheaded by Ocean Inc., led by CEO Hoshino Ryo, this transformation is set to redefine how tourists experience shopping in the country. On February 9, 2026, Hoshino made a notable appearance on TV Tokyo's program “Nippon! A Future Like This Exists” with MC Kato Koji, where he elucidated the fundamental aspects of the new refund-based tax exemption system.

Key Changes to the Tax Exemption System

The shift from the current “immediate tax exemption at stores” to the “refund method” marks a significant evolution in Japan's tax exemption protocol. Under the current system, international travelers can purchase products at tax-free prices, effectively paying only for the item itself without tax. However, under the new refund system, customers will pay prices that include consumption tax proceeds upfront. This tax will then be reimbursed during departure through kiosks at airports or ports.

This reform aims to mitigate fraudulent resale of exempt goods while also alleviating the administrative burdens on retailers. By adopting a refund system that is standard in many countries, Japan's tax exemption framework is poised to align more closely with global practices, fostering transparency and efficiency.

The Vision of Ocean Inc.

Ocean Inc. views this regulatory shift as a pivotal moment to enhance the overall shopping experience for inbound visitors to Japan. To this end, the company is developing the next-generation tax refund system known as