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A new chapter begins for tax-free shopping in Japan. Photo: Ramiro Vargas / chilanga.com Editorial Note — chilanga.com Japan is preparing to introduce a significant change to its tax-free shopping system, a move that could reshape the experience of millions of international visitors. For years, travelers have enjoyed immediate tax exemptions when purchasing eligible products at participating stores across the country. Under the new framework, visitors will reportedly need to

Travelers navigate Haneda days before a temporary restroom closure. photo: Ramiro Vargas / chilanga.com Haneda Airport—Japan’s busiest international gateway—faced an unexpected moment of vulnerability on November 28, 2025, when a widespread toilet system malfunction forced sections of the terminals to temporarily close. What sounded minor quickly became a matter of global attention. For a nation known for precision, efficiency, and immaculate public infrastructure, the incide