Digital Wallet Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda, Tokyo, Representative Director: Eiji Miyakawa, Fund Transfer Business Operator Kanto Finance Bureau No. 44) released the "TAX REFUND JAPAN" service (hereinafter referred to as "this service") on April 15, 2025. This service is the first of its kind in Japan as a fund transfer operator that allows inbound (visiting foreign) individuals to send tax-exempt refunds overseas.

 This service allows inbound visitors who have completed the tax-exempt procedures to send their refunds via overseas remittance to those living abroad. While complying with various related laws, permits, and regulations, it enables diverse receiving options such as credit cards, mobile wallets, bank transfers, and cash collection at counters, and adheres to the "Refund Method" of the new tax-exempt system for inbound tourism set to start in November 2026.

 Moreover, not only does this service achieve high convenience for inbound visitors and retailers, but it also ensures a safe and secure way to receive tax exemptions. In addition to complying with domestic regulations related to fund transfers (such as the Fund Settlement Law and the Act on Prevention of Transfer of Criminal Proceeds), we also ensure compliance with global checks on money laundering and terrorism financing.

 This service provides functionalities for overseas remittance of refunds to retailers that provide tax-free systems as tax-exempt approval transmission operators, retailers who incorporate tax-exempt services into point-of-sale (POS) systems, and system vendors. By adopting this service, it becomes possible to provide various receiving methods such as credit cards, mobile wallets, and bank transfers to inbound visitors all at once, along with the expected reduction of operational burdens concerning risk management and user support related to overseas remittance.

 Through this service, we aim to offer an enjoyable shopping experience for inbound visitors and provide efficient solutions for retailers, thereby contributing to the expansion of inbound demand in Japan's tourism industry and the proper execution of tax exemption procedures.

■Comment from Eiji Miyakawa, Representative Director of Digital Wallet Inc.

"The tax-exempt system is an important system that promotes the economic effect from inbound visitors, but at the same time, it has been undermined by abuses from resellers and others, causing significant tax revenue losses. The frequent media coverage regarding companies facing large consumption tax levies due to this has been quite memorable. We have worked on the development of this service with the determination to protect companies from such abuses by certain buyers, allowing each retailer to accelerate tax-free sales safely, while fully complying with the growing global anti-money laundering and compliance requirements, thus contributing to the proper execution of a healthy tax exemption system in Japan alongside companies operating tax-exempt businesses. Our team's high level of technical expertise and operational capabilities will be utilized in this manner, and we are all committed to doing our best."

■About Digital Wallet Group and Digital Wallet Inc.

The Digital Wallet Group (DWG) is a global service provider, including Digital Wallet Inc. (DWC), a Fintech company based in Japan, with operations in various countries around the world. Digital Wallet was established in 2014 by members who were former designers and engineers at Sony as well as executives responsible for global cloud services. We offer applications and infrastructure that support over 50 million users for B2B services and provide global Fintech services.

In 2017, Digital Wallet combined AI with financial technology (Fintech) and launched "Smiles Mobile Remittance" (Smiles), an original service providing high transparency and fair fees -Everyday Great Rate- as well as excellent customer service in native languages and a global network capable of real-time remittance, targeting internationally active citizens. Smiles has become Japan's number one international remittance service, and by acquiring the remittance service of the Seven-Eleven Group in 2024, it has built Japan's largest ATM network, continuously supporting international social life as a part of the living infrastructure for many years. Smiles received the Good Design Award in 2021 for its excellence in design and functionality. Currently, it has expanded operations to nine countries, including the United States, Canada, Singapore, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

Moreover, DWG has a unique corporate activity philosophy that aims not only for profit but also to realize a peaceful and sustainable international society, continuing more than 200 donations, social contributions, and international community support activities since its inception.

■Mobile International Remittance Service "Smiles Mobile Remittance"

Smiles Mobile Remittance (Smiles), started by Digital Wallet Inc. (DWC) in 2017, boasts over 1.2 million mobile application downloads, making it Japan's largest overseas remittance service. Through advanced technologies such as AI, facial recognition, machine learning, and financial scoring, users can enjoy a convenient and efficient service.
For service details, please visit the following website.
Smiles Mobile Remittance Website: https://www.smileswallet.com/

■Company Overview

Company Name: Digital Wallet Inc. (Fund Transfer Business Operator Kanto Finance Bureau No. 00044)
Location: 3-6 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda, Tokyo
Representative: Eiji Miyakawa
Established: November 2014
Business Activities: Electronic wallet service provision, cloud and mobile system development
https://www.digitalwallet.co.jp/