Ocean Debuts World’s First LINE-Integrated Tax Refund System Ahead of Japan’s Regulatory Overhaul
Tokyo-based fintech startup Ocean has officially launched the "Tax-Free LINE Mini App" in order to capitalize on Japan’s booming inbound tourism market and impending regulatory shifts. The service, which the company claims is a global first, integrates tax-free refund processing directly into the LINE messaging platform, eliminating the need for tourists to download standalone applications.
Streamlining the Inbound Experience
Ocean’s new digital tool arrives as the Japanese retail sector prepares for a major structural change. Effective November 2026, Japan will transition its tax-free shopping system from the current "exemption at purchase" model to a "post-purchase refund" (tax refund) model. This regulatory pivot is expected to increase administrative friction for both retailers and tourists.
Ocean’s solution addresses this bottleneck by leveraging the ubiquity of the LINE app, which holds dominant market share in key source markets for Japanese tourism, including Taiwan, Thailand, and South Korea. By utilizing a "Mini App" architecture, the service allows travelers to manage tax-free purchases and apply for refunds within their existing communication environment, bypassing the friction of app store downloads and complex registration processes.
Strategic Market Fit
"We viewed the upcoming change in the tax-free system not merely as a compliance hurdle, but as an opportunity to evolve the tourism experience," said Ocean in a statement. "By utilizing AI, OCR, and a robust data infrastructure, we are pursuing the digital transformation of tax-free operations to alleviate the burden on frontline retail staff and enhance convenience for visitors."
Key features of the platform include:
- Frictionless Onboarding: Users can log in using their LINE ID without additional registration.
- Real-Time Tracking: Tourists can monitor the status of their refund applications instantly, a crucial feature under the new refund-based tax regime.
- Integrated Support: Customer service is handled directly through LINE chat, lowering language barriers.
Future Outlook and Corporate Profile
Ocean intends to use the LINE Mini App as an entry point into the broader "inbound shopping ecosystem." The company plans to expand its services to accommodate non-LINE users by adapting to the preferred digital tools of other regions, aiming to create a seamless shopping environment for all international visitors.
Founded in May 2024 and led by CEO Haruka Hoshino, Ocean is headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo. As of January 2026, the company reports capital of approximately 138 million JPY (including capital reserves). This launch follows a trajectory of rapid development, with the company securing Privacy Mark certification in December 2025 and closing a funding round in November 2025.
Norbert Gehrke
