Japan Govenment Plans To Double Number of Tax-Free Shops

Above, a duty-free store in the Akihabara electronics district of Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, the Japanese government plans to double the number of tax-free stores for foreign tourists.

The Japan News (Yomiuri Shimbun) reported:

The government plans to double the number of tax-free shops in the nation to about 10,000 by 2020, with an eye on the upcoming Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned. 

The government is set to include the plan in its new growth strategy, to be compiled at the end of June, according to sources. 

Tax-free shops are currently located mostly at international airports and big-city department stores and electronics stores. The government intends to create more such shops outside of major urban centers.

To read more, go here.