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Vending machines make it easier for Japanese tourists to shop duty-free.

Japan has long been a world leader in facilitating shopping with the help of vending machines.

This convenience is currently being extended by WAmazing Inc. to help Foreign tourists save time duty free shopping.

Foreign visitors can order items on WAmazing Inc’s online duty-free shopping platform and pick up their products at airport vending machines or other transportation hubs in major cities of Japan.

As a result, visitors do not have to fill out tax-free declarations, wait in line at stores to receive tax refunds, or carry tax-free goods during their stay in Japan.

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WAmazing Inc., which has launched an online platform for foreign tourists in Japan, offers 6,900 items, including popular sweets and snacks, Japanese brand cosmetics, food and baby formula, shampoo, conditioner and detergent.

This website is offered in Chinese and English, with products aimed primarily at young female travelers from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan (China), amid the influx of visitors from other regions. This location has plummeted due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“If ordering online, shoppers no longer have to waste time searching for their favorite items at the pharmacy, which can only be labeled in Japanese,” said WAmazing company marketing manager Kaori Kishino.“

Therefore, duty-free vending machines will be a convenient way for travelers to make the most of their time while staying in Japan.

Since October 2022, the company has installed these vending machines at Haneda Airport Terminal 3 in Tokyo, Kansai Airport Terminal in Osaka Prefecture, Central Japan International Airport terminal near Nagoya City, New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido and Nishitetsu Tenjin Expressway Bus Terminal in Fukuoka Prefecture.

Two more machines are expected to be installed next March at the Narita airport terminal, which connects directly to the Narita airport buildings.

Guests need to order at least 3 days in advance and it takes less than 3 minutes to pick up the ordered items at the stores vending machine.

The process includes scanning a QR code, verifying identity via facial recognition and passport data, and making payments.

WAmazing says the company’s goal is to install duty-free vending machines at all airports that welcome international visitors in Japan.

Satomi Aoki, WAmazing’s director of business development, said: “The number of people using its online duty-free ordering platform is on an upward trend since the government eased restrictions. border in October 2022. We expect even more customers in the coming months.”

Ms. Aoki hopes the number of visitors from mainland China to Japan will increase again. Meanwhile, the Japanese government expects an increase in the number of visitors to the country to stimulate tourism consumption.

The Japanese government maintains its goal of welcoming 60 million foreign tourists to the country by 2030, with the hope that total spending by foreign visitors in Japan will reach 15 trillion yen ($116 billion).

By far, the highest spending of Foreign tourists to Japan was recorded at 4,810 billion yen in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic, when Japan welcomed 31.88 million visitors – a record high.

According to the Japan Tourism Agency, the number of duty-free shops nationwide will increase to 52,000 stores by 2021, from less than 40,000 in 2016.