Photo= The duty-free counter established for foreign tourists (Pieri Moriyama, Imahama-cho, Moriyama City, Shiga Prefecture)

On September 1, Pieri Moriyama in Imahama-cho, Moriyama City, Shiga Prefecture, opened a counter to help foreign tourists with procedures for consumption tax exemption. It is the first time a shopping mall in the prefecture has undertaken this. A translation system for five languages, including English, Korean and others, as well as "Wi-Fi" or free wireless LAN, to enhance the convenience of foreign customers have been arranged.

An increasing number of shopping centers and other sites across Japan have installed tax free counters since this spring in response to the new system established by the National Tax Agency. Previously in Pieri Moriyama, some tenant stores had handled tax exemption procedures individually. However, due to the increase in tourists from Taiwan and other countries, it was decided to install a counter to provide the full service at one site.

After purchasing goods such as clothing, bags and others for more than 10,000 yen, or consumable goods, including cosmetic products and others, for more than 5,000 yen at member shops, foreign tourists can bring the receipts to the counter to receive a consumption tax refund.

The service began on September 1 at supermarkets and variety stores, and approximately 40 shops, including clothing stores and others, plan to begin participation in September. An assistant manager, said, "We hope that this will lead to attracting foreign tourists to Shiga Prefecture."