Global Blue and NTT Data announced that their joint venture, Global Blue TFS Japan Co., Ltd., would start operations by the end of September 2013. Global Blue TFS Japan Co., Ltd. would be offering tax refund services to foreign travelers to make their shopping easier in Japan.

According to Global Blue president and CEO, Per Setterberg, this tax refund services, available nationwide, would make Japan a more attractive destination for foreign travelers. In addition, the joint venture was created to support the Japanese government's plans of making Japan a tourism nation. In his own words, Setterberg said, "We have created this joint venture to support these plans and to help Japanese retailers to capture their share of the fast growing globe shopper segment."

Global Blue previously established Global Blue Japan Co. Ltd. in August 2011. Their Japanese subsidiary started providing tax-free shopping services in selected retailers in the country in March 2012. These Japanese retailers included Takashimaya and Isetan Mitsukoshi.