#Japan #Tokyo #JTB #Aient Emerge #TaxFreeOnline

Aient Emerge and JTB Team Up for Enhanced Tourism

In a significant move to boost the tourism experience for foreign visitors in Japan, Aient Emerge, based in Shibuya, Tokyo, has announced a comprehensive agency agreement with JTB, a prominent travel agency headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo. This partnership aims to improve satisfaction levels among foreign tourists and to invigorate local economies and the tourism industry across the country.

Innovative Shopping Solutions for Tourists

Aient Emerge is known for its specialized tax-free e-commerce service, TaxFreeOnline.jp (TFO), which is tailored for international travelers. This innovative platform allows users to shop for products from all over Japan at tax-exempt prices directly through their smartphones or PCs, offering a new shopping experience where goods can be picked up at designated locations.

What sets TFO apart is that it has secured Japan's first tax-free e-commerce authorization, establishing itself as a groundbreaking business model that has already commenced operations. Furthermore, it holds a domestic patent (Patent No. 6554640), with international patent applications already submitted.

As part of its growth strategy, Aient Emerge plans to roll out several additional solutions focused on tax-free sales, leveraging JTB's strong connections with foreign visitors to drive further business expansion.

Collaborations with JTB

Aient Emerge’s collaboration with JTB covers various strategic initiatives, particularly in key regions such as Osaka and Nagoya.

Osaka Division:

• - Expansion of Pickup Locations: The agreement includes enhancing pickup locations in and around Osaka, including airports and hotels.
• - Dotonbori Traveler’s Lounge: JTB will establish a new 'Dotonbori Traveler’s Lounge,' where a seamless product pickup process and promotional activities will be developed.
• - Discover Osaka App: Items sourced from Osaka will be available for online tax-free sales through the official app 'Discover Osaka,' with a revamped TFO service launching in April 2025.

Nagoya Division and Central Region Branches:

• - Development of Demands and Locations: Other regions, particularly in Central Japan, will focus on identifying new demand and optimizing pickup points for tax-free products.

Comprehensive Overview of TFO

The TaxFreeOnline.jp platform allows foreign visitors to purchase over 12,000 items at tax-exempt prices while enjoying hassle-free pickups at 65 locations including 49 hotels and six airports nationwide. This user-friendly service is already registering members from 63 countries, providing substantial benefits:

Benefits for Buyers:

• - Competitive pricing with tax exemptions
• - Access to unique Japanese crafts, traditional items, and regional specialties
• - Convenient collection points at hotels and airports, reducing baggage burden during travels
• - Multilingual support for easy ordering

Advantages for Vendors:

• - Capturing vibrant inbound market activity amidst declining domestic consumption
• - Streamlined logistics with domestic fulfillment options, mirroring existing e-commerce operations
• - Elimination of the need for tax-free retail permits
• - Clearer regulations compared to cross-border e-commerce, reducing risk

Community Impact and Contributions

The social significance of this venture extends beyond commerce. By promoting local cultural and industrial resources, including crafts and traditional goods, Aient Emerge aims to globally share Japan's rich heritage. This initiative also addresses the need for revitalizing local economies and the tourism industry, implementing a tourism digital transformation that harmonizes product consumption with experience-based travel.

Company Overview

Aient Emerge Inc. is committed to enhancing the visitor experience for foreign tourists while boosting local economies through innovative solutions. For more information, visit their official website at https://ientemerge.co.jp/.

Contact Information:

• - Representative: Director Tomohito Omori
• - Head Office Address: 6-18-3 Jinguumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
• - Phone: 03-6419-7757

Aient Emerge’s partnership with JTB marks a new chapter in Japan’s evolving tourism landscape, offering fresh opportunities for travelers and businesses alike.