Have you heard of the expanded tax-free shopping system that went into effect in Japan on Oct 1? Have you made use of it?

I haven't heard of it, and I do follow the news in Japan fairly closely. I would like to know more about it, though.

I've seen a couple of shops with signs saying Tax Free. But it's geared towards tourist buyers as you need to show your passport.

Heard of it can't use it as I live here.

Good for tourists as they come to Japan to pick up bargains available because of the incredibly weak yen.

Don Quixote stores announce it while you're shopping. Just show your passport, but you can't be a resident just a tourist.

Sadly, it's only available in very few locations and never 'off the beaten track'. As an annual long-stay visitor I couldn't be bothered trying to find one.

DJDon:

Me too, I've heard of it (somewhere - could have been TV), but fat lot of use it is for me as I live here. It's as if residents never spend money on travelling around the country and buying goods.