I tried to file a tax exemption application, but was told I couldn’t.

In Japan, you can only get the tax exemption for purchases made at an approved tax-free shop. Also, there are various conditions that apply to purchases, such as eligible items and purchase amounts. As a foreign national, to be eligible for tax exemption, you must be a non-resident with a short-term stay visa or other prescribed status. If your passport or other documents cannot confirm that you are eligible for tax exemption, you will be unable to make duty-free purchases.