#Japan #Osaka #tax refund #Ocean #Mikihouse

Mikihouse Ventures into Improvements in Inbound Shopping Experience through 'Ocean Tax Refund'

Mikihouse, a prominent brand in child apparel based in Yao City, Osaka, in collaboration with Ocean Corporation from Chūō City, Tokyo, has officially launched the 'Ocean Tax Refund' system at its Mikihouse LABO stores. As Japan gears up for the implementation of a new tax refund system, effective November 2026, this partnership stands to significantly enhance both inbound customer attraction and overall shopping experiences.

Background: Addressing Rising Inbound Demand and Changes in the Tax Refund System

Mikihouse has been actively expanding its operational footprint nationally and internationally, leading to a notable increase in its brand recognition. The store has witnessed substantial growth in inbound sales, particularly from tourists in Asia and beyond. Currently, the inbound sales ratio for larger stores stands at about 60%, while tourist-centric locations hit approximately 90%, establishing inbound customers as a crucial demographic for the brand’s growth. The sales from inbound customers are nearing pre-pandemic levels, with further growth anticipated. Consequently, being a tax-free store is increasingly vital for attracting these shoppers.

As the current tax-free system transitions from an in-store deduction model to a post-departure refund system in November 2026, Mikihouse recognized the urgent need to adapt swiftly to potential complexities in purchasing procedures that could deter customers. To navigate these challenges, they chose to partner with Ocean, leveraging 'Ocean Tax Refund' not only for tax-free compliance but also for a holistic approach to enhancing inbound customer engagement and fostering repeat visits.

Reimagining Inbound Shopping Experiences with 'Ocean Tax Refund'

'Ocean Tax Refund' presents a next-generation tax refund platform, fully aligned with the upcoming changes in November 2026. Brands such as Mikihouse, celebrated for their high-quality products, place immense importance on maintaining a superior purchasing experience. By eliminating the stress associated with tax refund processes, 'Ocean Tax Refund' enhances the quality of interaction customers have with the brand, safeguarding their shopping enjoyment.

• - Stress-Free Experiences During Travel: Customers can complete their refund processes through familiar channels like LINE mini-apps and WeChat Pay without the requirement for new applications or registrations, all while being guided in their native languages through a multilingual interface. This reduction in refund process-related stress allows customers to focus purely on the delightful shopping experience that Mikihouse offers, thus improving overall customer satisfaction.

• - Encouraging Repeat Visits Post-Travel: After completing their refunds, Mikihouse can maintain connections with visiting customers, directing them toward its cross-border e-commerce platform and encouraging subsequent visits. This strategy aims to transform first-time shoppers into lifelong customers, laying the groundwork for robust inbound marketing initiatives.

• - Minimizing Burdens on Store Operations: The implementation of 'Ocean Tax Refund' requires no alterations to current checkout or service procedures. This simplicity minimizes staff training costs and response burdens during peak periods, allowing employees to focus on what matters most—communicating the value and quality of Mikihouse products.

Future Perspectives for Mikihouse and Ocean

Going forward, both companies aspire to deepen their collaboration, not just in the realm of tax refunds but as partners in comprehensive inbound marketing strategies. By preserving touchpoints with inbound customers post-purchase, the aim is to enhance the shopping experience beyond their time in Japan, encouraging repeat visits and facilitating transitions to cross-border e-commerce.

Combining Mikihouse's esteemed brand recognition with Ocean's advanced tax refund platform will contribute to crafting an integrated inbound experience throughout customers' journeys: pre-trip, during, and post-trip. The goal is to elevate customer satisfaction while further expanding inbound demand.

Comments from Both Companies

Mikihouse Executive Director Eiko Sawai: "I find 'Ocean Tax Refund' to be incredibly user-friendly with no initial investment needed, making it easy to implement. The addition of LINE and WeChat interfaces that tourists frequently use, along with the multilingual starter kit we received during onboarding, made the decision to adopt this system quite straightforward. Mikihouse is dedicated to excellence, and this commitment extends to the shopping experience. We believe minimizing the hassle of tax refund procedures will allow customers to enjoy their shopping ventures, consequently boosting their overall satisfaction. Together with Ocean, we aim to build a new model of inbound marketing that promotes not just efficiency but also develops long-term customer relationships post-purchase."

Ocean CEO Ryo Hoshino: "Mikihouse is a beloved brand recognized globally by families with young children. It’s an honor for us that our services are now part of their operations. With countless families flocking to Mikihouse, it’s clear that simplifying the tax refund process—the 'last mile' of the shopping experience—will significantly impact brand engagement. Our mission is to remove transaction friction, allowing customers to immerse themselves in the allure of Mikihouse’s offerings. We are committed to providing a seamless service for store staff while ensuring we stay connected with families worldwide by creating cherished memories together."

Company Overview

Mikihouse Company Profile

• - Name: Mikihouse Co., Ltd.
• - President: Koichi Kimura
• - Location: 1-76-2 Wakabayashi-cho, Yao City, Osaka 581-8505, Japan
• - Established: September 1978
• - Business: Planning, manufacturing, and retailing children's clothing and related family-oriented products, along with cultural activities involving publishing, education, and parenting support.
• - Capital: 2.03 billion JPY
• - Website: Mikihouse

Ocean Company Profile

• - Name: Ocean Inc.
• - CEO: Ryo Hoshino
• - Location: 5th Floor Fujiya Building, 2-6-5 Ginza, Chūō City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
• - Established: May 2024
• - Capital: 138.04 million JPY (including capital reserves)
• - Tax Refund Authorization Number: 1-0100-0124-5294-0140-0001
• - Corporate Website: Ocean
• - Service Website: Ocean Services

For further inquiries, please contact Ocean Public Relations at E-Mail: [email protected]