International shopping and spending expert Global Blue and IT company NTT Data have developed a joint venture to offer tax refunds in Japan, expanding opportunities for retailers to sell to tourists.

Called Global Blue TFS Japan, the JV will launch in September and provide tax refund services in Japan to foreign travelers shopping in country.

“The introduction of tax refund services across the country will make Japan a more attractive destination to foreign visitors,” said Global Blue president and CEO Per Setterberg.

He said that the Japanese government has plans to boost Japan as a tourism nation and the joint venture is aimed at supporting the plans and helping Japanese retailers to capture their share of the fast growing global shopper segment.

Swiss-based Global Blue has more than 30 years experience offering tax refund services to merchants and travelers. Expanding the company’s business in Asia is a strategic decision, in line with the growth in inbound and outbound travel from Asia, which is growing faster than in any other region in the world, it says.

The company has been in Japan since 2011 through its subsidiary Global Blue Japan Co Ltd. In March 2012, it began providing tax free shopping services at selected retailers in Japan, including Isetan Mitsukoshi and Takashimaya.