Correct me if I am wrong , and I usually am , the price for the JR pass really hasn't increased for decades ? I am sure I remember ¥28,000 from the 1990's .

"The JR Pass was first introduced in 1981, and its price has increased over the years due to inflation and changes in the exchange rate between the Japanese yen and other currencies. For example, in 1987, the price of a 7-day JR Pass was 16,000 yen (about $140 USD at the time), while in 2005 it was 28,300 yen (about $250 USD at the time)."

I wonder when they will end the TAX FREE shopping for tourists ?