Originally Posted by
RichardInSF
Even getting 8% back won't make most all items in Japan a good deal compared to buying them elsewhere. Maybe this will slightly benefit duty-free shops at NRT and such, but that's about it.
Except for Made in Japan items. I have many female friends who will look forward to buying cheaper cosmetics!
However it still depends on whether the company wants to participate in the tax exemption scheme. One major company which I know doesn't is Muji (which I hope will change in future).