Originally Posted by NickW

It's more to do with the exchange rate than the tax (only 5% consumption tax in Japan at the moment), which makes every in Japan one-third more expensive in USD terms than 5 years ago.

The equivalent model in Japan to the Rebel T2i is the Kiss X4 (it's the same camera just different branding). There's a very close correspondence in price between the Fry's price and the price at Yodobashi Camera - which is a major electronics discount chain. I doubt the airport is any cheaper; in fact, if I go by the one page I can find, it's about 30% more expensive.

Also bear in mind that these models do not have an international warranty. Canon would be within its rights to ask you to return your camera to Japan for service if it developed an issue.