Tax-Free Counter PIE VAT Station Opens at "Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport Nagoya Minato AQULS". Pie Systems Japan, with Top Commercial Facility Share of 25 Facilities, Celebrates 5th Anniversary.

Pie Systems Inc. (Headquarters: California, CEO: Sunny Long), through its Japanese subsidiary Pie Systems Japan Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Hironobu Mizuno) (hereinafter referred to as "Pie Systems"), is pleased to announce the opening of the tax-free counter "PIE VAT Station" at "Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport Nagoya Minato AQULS" (Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture), operated by Mitsui Fudosan Commercial Management Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo, President: Osamu Obayashi), starting July 1, 2026 (Wed).

With the introduction of "PIE VAT Station," "Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport Nagoya Minato AQULS" will establish a system in preparation for the tax-free system revision (refund method) (Note 1) in November 2026, ensuring a smooth transition with no operational confusion at the time of system implementation.

Furthermore, this counter serves as a service hub integrated with a tourist information counter. It supports inbound customer attraction, provides information on in-facility promotional activities, and distributes novelties, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and supporting sales growth for stores within the facility.

Since entering the Japanese market in July 2021, Pie Systems has grown into a leading tax-free DX player with one of the largest refund method operational track records in Japan, through the provision of the general tax-free store system "PIE VAT" and the commercial facility tax-free counter "PIE VAT Station." Moving forward, through tax-free DX for both stores and inbound tourists, we will continue to support the expansion of inbound consumption and the promotion of regional tourism, key themes of the government's "Basic Plan for the Promotion of Tourism Nation."

For inquiries regarding the introduction of tax-free counters and the start of general tax-free stores, please contact us here.

The services of "PIE VAT" include:

✔︎ Zero introduction and usage fees. Pie Systems, with multilingual support, handles all tax-free procedures, minimizing the burden on stores.

✔︎ Industry-leading introduction track record. In addition to introducing tax-free counters to 25 commercial facilities nationwide, it is widely adopted by general retail stores.

✔︎ One of the largest refund method operational track records in Japan. Supported since 2021, with easy procedures based on extensive experience, enabling a smooth transition to the November system revision.

✔︎ Integration with major POS systems. Can be introduced regardless of existing store environments such asスマレジ (Sma-Reji), Shopify, and Square.

✔︎ "In-destination" inbound marketing possible. Directly approach inbound tourists via app based on statistical purchasing behavior data. It is possible to attract customers and promote circulation among inbound tourists during their stay through campaign distribution and activity proposals.

✔︎ Supports 135 currencies and offers a wide range of refund methods. Compatible with all inbound tourist payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, and WeChat Pay.

✔︎ Integrated with "Tourist Information Counter" to support inbound tourist satisfaction and sales expansion. Multilingual staff provide tourist information and in-facility promotional support. Supports inbound tourist satisfaction and in-facility sales increase through information on in-facility promotional measures such as novelties and giveaways based on purchase amount.

Integrated counters have a proven track record in many facilities operated by Mitsui Fudosan Commercial Management Co., Ltd., and can also be introduced to other facilities.

Comment from Hironobu Mizuno, CEO of Pie Systems Japan:

Supported by our partner companies and inbound visitors, Pie Systems Japan celebrates its 5th anniversary since starting operations in Japan. On this milestone, we are delighted to have "PIE VAT Station" introduced at "Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport Nagoya Minato AQULS," a leading driver of inbound demand in the Nagoya area. This marks the introduction of "PIE VAT Station" to 25 facilities in Japan.

Following the transition to the "refund method" (system revision) this November, operational changes are expected to cause confusion for inbound tourists and store staff. By allowing ample time for the switch to the "refund method" and completing staff training, businesses can confidently face the system revision. We encourage businesses considering the new system to consider adopting "PIE VAT" and "PIE VAT Station."

Tax-free procedure services are becoming an indispensable infrastructure supporting Japan's inbound business. Pie Systems enhances the convenience of tax-free procedures, maximizes inbound tourist purchasing opportunities, and enables "in-destination" marketing by proposing experiential local content to inbound tourists through the "PIE VAT" app.

We are committed to supporting inbound customer attraction and consumption expansion through Pie Systems' unique "Tax-Free DX."

Note 1) Refund Method: A tax-free method where inbound tourists pay consumption tax at the time of purchase, and the equivalent amount of consumption tax is refunded if the goods are confirmed to be taken out of the country upon departure. Scheduled to be implemented from November 1, 2026.

Regarding the 2026 tax system revision (refund method) for tax-free procedures:

About "Pie Systems"

A travel tech company (※1) established in the United States in 2018. It launched services in Denmark and Norway in 2018 and entered the Japanese market in 2021. Under the slogan "Empowering local partners, Globally," it resolves on-site issues for various businesses, from small shops to large stores, outlets, shopping malls, commercial buildings, and shopping streets, by providing convenient tax-free systems. It also aims to create new marketing models as a platformer connecting inbound tourists and retailers.

Pie Systems offers "PIE VAT" (※2), where each store handles tax-free procedures via an app, and the digital tax-free counter "PIE VAT Station," where Pie Systems, commissioned by commercial facilities, handles tax-free procedures for inbound tourist shopping within the facility.

※1) Travel Tech: A coined term combining Travel and Technology. Businesses and initiatives that reduce traveler effort and promote seamless experiences by leveraging technology.

※2) For the general tax-free store service "PIE VAT," where each store handles tax-free procedures via an app, click here.

Benefits of Introducing "PIE VAT Station"

✔︎ Early adoption of the November tax system revision.

Simply by introducing it, you can transition to the refund method and avoid confusion before and after the revision.

✔︎ Generous support during the system revision.

Pie Systems supports store follow-up and training, reducing the burden on on-site staff.

✔︎ Zero introduction and usage fees.

Outsource tax-free procedures to the counter, with multilingual support to minimize store burden.

✔︎ No more cumbersome tax-free procedures.

Pie Systems handles tasks such as tax-exemption eligibility checks and packing, allowing stores to focus on cashier operations.

✔︎ Increased sales by capturing inbound demand.

Attract inbound tourists with facility-wide tax-free services and encourage cross-shopping at multiple stores.

✔︎ Real-time provision of tax-free transaction data.

View sales details and nationality-based data on a dashboard for use in inbound strategies.

✔︎ Low-priced items under 5,000 yen also eligible for tax exemption.

It becomes easier to reach the tax-exempt amount by combining purchases from multiple stores.

Benefits for Inbound Tourists:

✔︎ Cashless refunds for shopping at eligible stores via the "PIE VAT" app.

Receive digital refunds via credit card or electronic payment services like WeChat Pay and PayPal.

✔︎ Consolidate tax-free procedures and make effective use of your stay.

After consolidating tax-free procedures for purchases from multiple stores at the counter, customers (inbound tourists) are called, so they don't have to wait at each store, and waiting time at the counter is also reduced.

✔︎ Low-priced items under 5,000 yen also eligible for tax exemption.

It becomes easier to reach the tax-exempt amount by combining purchases from multiple stores.

For inquiries about introducing PIE VAT Station, please contact us here.