TOKYO, Japan – April 27, 2026 – Digital Wallet Corporation (DWC), a globally expanding Tokyo-based fintech and IT company and a registered funds transfer operator, is pleased to announce the start of system linkage with TAIMATSU, Inc. (TAIMATSU) today. This partnership connects Digital Wallet’s TAX REFUND JAPAN, a remittance service compliant with the duty-free refund method, with TAIMATSU's new tax exemption procedure support service, SAMURAI TAX.

Partnership background and Digital Wallet initiative

Significant institutional reforms to the consumption tax exemption system for foreign visitors will take effect from Nov. 1, 2026. They include transitioning to the "Refund Method" (refund after departure) and changes to exemption requirements, primarily aimed at preventing illegal resale. 

Consequently, consumption tax refunds will be processed after customs approval upon departure, making it essential to implement a system that reliably sends refunds to foreign visitors after they leave the country. 

DWC addressed this challenge by developing TAX REFUND JAPAN, leveraging the robust system and operational foundation of its existing overseas remittance service for foreign residents, Smiles Mobile Remittance (Smiles). 

DWC launched this service in April 2025, and TAX REFUND JAPAN has been adopted by TAIMATSU as the remittance solution for its new tax exemption procedure support service, SAMURAI TAX, commencing service operations in April 2026.

Service features through this partnership

This partnership offers a highly convenient, safe and reliable tax refund solution fully compliant with the new refund method for both tax-exempt businesses and foreign visitors. Key features of the partnership include:

Reliable and Secure Refund Remittance

While smooth remittance is required for the Refund Method, strict identity verification and screening for economic sanction targets are essential for international anti-money laundering measures. Digital Wallet’s TAX REFUND JAPAN adheres to compliance through a rigorous screening system while simultaneously providing a comprehensive range of global remittance options to meet the diversifying needs of foreign visitors. These options include:

• Remittance to credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard

• Overseas bank transfers

• Remittance to mobile wallet services

• Cash pickup at overseas cash handling windows

Seamless Application and Easy Implementation

SAMURAI TAX is web-based, requiring no dedicated app installation. Furthermore, businesses can implement it without a cost burden, as both initial and monthly fees are free. The service supports passport scanning and Visit Japan Web QR code reading, allowing application completion in as little as one minute, significantly reducing the operational burden on store staff.

Future developments

Through this partnership, Digital Wallet and TAIMATSU will establish the standard for trust and convenience in Japan's duty-free market. Moving forward, TAX REFUND JAPAN aims to expand implementation to duty-free businesses nationwide and enhance service functions for greater convenience and security. The goal is to contribute to improving the shopping experience for foreign visitors and ensuring the sound execution of Japan’s duty-free system.

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About Digital Wallet Corporation

Digital Wallet Corporation (DWC) is a Tokyo-based fintech company and the developer of Japan’s most popular international money transfer service, Smiles Mobile Remittance (Smiles). DWC was established in 2014 by former Sony designers and engineers as well as employees who developed global cloud services. Combining the powers of artificial intelligence (AI) and financial technology (fintech), the company crafted a service in 2017 that helps overseas workers send money to their loved ones by offering the “Everyday Great Rate,” transparent and fair fees, native multilingual customer service and real-time speed through Smiles Mobile Remittance. Smiles has achieved recognition as Japan's number one global money transfer service and Japan’s largest ATM network after acquiring Seven-Eleven Group’s remittance service, and received the prestigious 2021 Good Design Award. DWC has expanded its business to nine 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 the following link: https://digitalwallet.co.jp/en/.