Japan Considers Stablecoin Tax Refunds for Foreign Tourists

Japan’s transport and tourism minister, Tatsunori Ibayashi, told a parliamentary committee on October 21 that the government would consider using stablecoins to refund consumption tax to foreign visitors. Nothing has been approved, but the remark links yen-backed tokens to a payment problem that begins on November 1, when tourists start paying tax up front. From that date, Japan’s tax-free shopping system switches to a refund model. Visitors will pay the tax at checkout and get it back only after customs confirms the goods are leaving the country.