TOKYO, Japan, April 16, 2025 – Digital Wallet Corporation (DWC), owner and operator of Smiles Mobile Remittance, Japan’s most popular mobile international money transfer provider, announced the launch of “TAX REFUND JAPAN,” a new service designed to support the revised tax-free shopping system for inbound tourists. This first-of-its-kind service from a licensed funds transfer provider in Japan allows international visitors to receive their consumption tax refunds via overseas remittance.
“TAX REFUND JAPAN” facilitates the overseas remittance of consumption tax refunds to international visitors after completing the tax-free shopping procedure. Fully compliant with all relevant laws, regulations and licensing requirements, the service supports diverse refund methods, including credit card, mobile wallet, bank transfer and cash pickup at designated counters. It is also designed to align with the refund method of the new inbound tourist tax-free system, which will start in November 2026.
This service offers enhanced convenience for both international tourists and retailers and ensures secure and reliable tax-free transactions. Digital Wallet follows all domestic regulations governing funds transfer, such as the Payment Services Act and the Act on Prevention of Transfer of Criminal Proceeds, as well as global anti-money laundering and compliance standards.
“TAX REFUND JAPAN” is designed to provide overseas remittance capabilities for tax refund administrators offering tax-free systems to retailers and for retail businesses and system vendors integrating tax-free services into their POS systems. This service enables businesses to provide international tourists with diverse refund options: credit card, mobile wallet and bank transfer. Additionally, it helps businesses manage the risks and customer support associated with overseas remittances, simplifying their operations.
“The consumption tax exemption system is crucial for stimulating economic activity through inbound tourism. However, the system has been exploited by resellers, leading to significant losses in tax revenue,” said DWC CEO and Founder Eiji Miyakawa.
DWC is committed to improving the shopping experience for international tourists and providing efficient solutions for retailers. Through “TAX REFUND JAPAN,” the company aims to contribute to the growth of inbound tourism in Japan and ensure the proper implementation of the tax-free system.
Mr. Miyakawa added, “The ‘TAX REFUND JAPAN’ program was developed to protect businesses from such misuses and enable retailers to confidently expand their tax-free sales operations. Our service fully complies with global anti-money laundering and compliance standards, allowing us to collaborate with businesses to ensure the integrity of Japan’s tax-free system. We are excited to leverage our advanced technology and operational expertise in this endeavor and are committed to its success.”
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About Digital Wallet Corporation
Japan-based fintech company Digital Wallet Corporation (DWC) is the developer of digital remittance platform Smiles Mobile Remittance (Smiles). Digital Wallet was established in 2014 by former Sony designers and engineers as well as employees who developed global cloud services. The company had visions to excel in and provide B2B application and remittance services. In 2017, Digital Wallet combined the powers of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Financial Technology (fintech) and used their expertise to carefully craft and develop a service that helps overseas workers send money to their loved ones by offering them the “Everyday Great Rate,” transparent and fair fees, native multilingual customer service and real-time speed through Smiles Mobile Remittance. Smiles has made great achievements, such as becoming Japan’s number one global money transfer service and Japan’s largest ATM network after acquiring Seven-Eleven Group’s remittance service. Smiles also received the prestigious 2021 Good Design Award for its excellence in design and functionality. Digital Wallet has expanded its business to 8 countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, the United States, Canada and Singapore. The company hopes to unite international communities all over the globe with its services. For more information, please visit https://digitalwallet.co.jp/.
About Smiles Mobile Remittance
Smiles Mobile Remittance (Smiles) was launched by Digital Wallet Corporation (DWC) in 2017 and is Japan’s first and most popular mobile overseas money transfer service, with over 1 million mobile application downloads. Secured by advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and facial recognition, users can enjoy greater convenience, better value and efficient services. Smiles is the only financial platform offering mobile remittances with an integrated loyalty and referral program in Japan. Visit us at www.smileswallet.com.
