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Planet is entering a new collaboration with Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company, Limited (SMCC) to help scale Japan’s Tax Free infrastructure nationwide, as the country prepares for a major reform of its Tax Free system.
The collaboration builds on Planet’s recently announced entry into the Japanese Tax Free market and reflects Planet’s expansion as Planet in Japan, extending the reach of its Tax Free services across SMCC’s acquiring network.
Japan’s inbound tourism continues to grow at pace. In 2025, inbound visitors exceeded 42 million for the first time, with spending per visitor also increasing. Tax Free shopping plays an important role in encouraging inbound consumption, with purchases of Tax Free goods by international travellers reaching approximately JPY 1 trillion in 2024.
Under the new system, Japan will move away from immediate tax exemption at the point of sale to a refund-based approach, processed as the traveller leaves the country. Retailers will need to adapt to new operational requirements, including selling at tax-inclusive prices and accurately processing refund data, placing greater emphasis on integration, resilience and compliance.
The collaboration with SMCC marks a decisive acceleration of Planet’s Tax Free strategy in Japan, following its recent investment in the Japanese business of Global Tax Free (GTF). Together, these developments strengthen Planet’s ability to support retailers and international travellers at scale as the market undergoes this once-in-a-generation transition.
Gary Byrne, President Tax Free at Planet, said:
“Japan’s Tax Free system is entering a once-in-a-generation period of change. Planet serves customers in over 120 markets and operates one of the world’s largest Tax Free refund networks. Following our recent investment in GTF, working with SMCC allows us to build the scale and resilience needed to support retailers and travellers as that transition takes place. Together, these steps mark a meaningful acceleration of Planet’s long-term strategy in Japan and make Tax Free shopping simpler for retailers and tourists.”
In Japan, Planet is building its Tax Free capability through its previously announced joint venture with GTF, combining GTF’s local market expertise with Planet’s global technology, payments and merchant relationships. The joint venture will operate as Planet in Japan, supporting retailers and international travellers as the market transitions to a refund based Tax Free model.
SMCC plays a critical role in scaling this capability nationwide, enabling Planet’s Tax Free services across its extensive acquiring footprint and extending reach to merchants across retail, hospitality and travel-related sectors.
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