Terms of Use

This document outlines the terms and conditions for using the SHIZUKU service (“SHIZUKU”) provided by SEED COMMERCE TOKYO CO.,LTD. (the “Company”). By accessing and using SHIZUKU, you (“the User”) agree to these Terms of Use.

Please note that we may update these Terms of Use in the future, so be sure to check this page for the most current version. Your continued use of the service after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the new terms.

1. Purpose of SHIZUKU

The purpose of SHIZUKU is to introduce users to the diverse wellness offerings of Japan, encompassing its seasons, regions, culture, cuisine, and spirituality. We publish comments, images, and other content submitted by our Users (collectively, “User Content”). This User Content serves as a valuable resource for other travelers, helping them discover and select destinations and activities in Japan.

2. Account Registration

You may register for a SHIZUKU account by following the procedures we’ve established. While some content is accessible to all visitors, becoming a registered member (“SHIZUKU Member”) may be required to access certain features, such as posting content. We reserve the right to offer different services and features to different users at our discretion.

3. Security

We prioritize the security of your information. Our registration process uses SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption to protect data transmitted over the internet from unauthorized viewing. Additionally, we employ anti-virus software to guard our systems against malicious threats.

4. Account Management

You are solely responsible for the security and management of your login credentials, including your email address and password. The Company is not liable for any damages resulting from your failure to maintain the confidentiality of your account, improper use, or unauthorized access by a third party.

5. Privacy

(1) Handling of Personal Information

We collect personal information to provide and improve the SHIZUKU service. Please refer to our separate Privacy Policy for detailed information on how we handle, process, and protect your data, including the business name, contact information, and privacy officer details.

Our purposes for using your personal information include:

  • Confirming your identity when you log in.
  • Communicating with you about SHIZUKU and our related services.
  • Analyzing user behavior in an anonymized, aggregated format to improve our services.
  • Connecting with you as needed regarding your use of SHIZUKU.
  • Sending marketing-related communications to registered content posters (including newsletter subscribers).

We will not disclose or provide your personal information to third parties except in the following cases: 

a. When we have your consent. 

b. When it is disclosed or provided as statistical data in a form that does not allow identification of the customer. 

c. When required by law. 

d. When it is necessary for the protection of the life, body, or property of an individual and it is difficult to obtain your consent. 

e. When it is especially necessary to improve public health or to promote the sound growth of children, and when it is difficult to obtain your consent. 

f. When it is necessary to cooperate with a national agency, a local government, or an individual or entity entrusted by either a national agency or local government to execute affairs prescribed by law, and obtaining your consent may impede the execution of such affairs.

(2) Informative Data

To enhance your experience, we may collect and use data such as cookies, web beacons, and location information (collectively, “Informative Data”). This data helps us understand how you use the site and allows us to provide a more tailored service. We use reputable third-party services like Google LLC to analyze usage information (excluding personal data) to improve the quality and security of our platform. By using SHIZUKU, you agree to this data collection and analysis.

6. Use of SHIZUKU and Content Guidelines

(1) Prohibited Activities

You are prohibited from using SHIZUKU for any commercial, for-profit, or political activities. Reproduction or unauthorized use of User Content, including comments and images, is strictly forbidden. If you profit from the unauthorized use of our content, we reserve the right to seek compensation equivalent to the amount of that profit.

(2) Service Changes

The Company reserves the right to modify or suspend SHIZUKU, in whole or in part, at any time. We are not liable for any damages you or a third party may incur as a result of such changes or interruptions, unless caused by our gross negligence or willful misconduct.

(3) User Equipment

You are responsible for acquiring and maintaining the necessary hardware, software, and internet connection to access and use SHIZUKU.

(4) Posting User Content and Copyrights

  • You must be a registered SHIZUKU Member to post User Content.
  • By submitting User Content to SHIZUKU, you grant the Company a non-exclusive, perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, modify, publish, and distribute that content. This includes the right to sublicense the content to third parties and use it for promotional purposes without compensation.
  • You guarantee that you own all the necessary rights to the User Content you post and that it does not infringe on any third-party copyrights or other rights.
  • We may, at our discretion, summarize, excerpt, or edit your User Content and resize or crop your submitted photos. We may also display your chosen username alongside your content.

(5) Content Guidelines

When posting on SHIZUKU, you must adhere to the following guidelines to ensure a positive and respectful environment:

  • Purpose of Postings: All content should be related to the wellness experience of Japan, including culture, nature, food, and spirituality.
  • Based on Personal Experience: Your posts should be based on your actual experiences and be factual.
  • Respectful Language: Be respectful and constructive in your interactions with other users, facilities, and cultures.
  • Prohibited Content: Do not post content that is commercial or promotional, defamatory, discriminatory, infringing on privacy or copyrights, offensive to public order and morals, or misleading.
  • Photo Rules: All photos must be your own original work. Avoid posting inappropriate images, such as advertisements, sexually explicit content, or photos that infringe on the privacy of others.

7. Disclaimer of Warranties

Your use of SHIZUKU is at your own risk.

(1) Information Accuracy

SHIZUKU strives to provide accurate content, but wellness information regarding areas, seasons, activities, and other details can change. Therefore, we recommend verifying information directly with the source before making any plans. We are not liable for any damages resulting from inaccurate information, except in cases of our willful misconduct or gross negligence.

(2) User Content

The views and information expressed in User Content are those of the individual users and not necessarily our own. We do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of this content. Please use this information at your own discretion.

(3) Third-Party Sites

SHIZUKU may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the content or practices of these sites. You access and use them at your own risk.

(4) Content Removal

We reserve the right to remove any User Content without prior notice if we determine that it violates our Content Guidelines or is otherwise inappropriate. The decision to remove content is at our sole discretion.

8. Intellectual Property

All content on SHIZUKU, including text, images, logos, and trademarks, is the property of the Company or its respective owners and is protected by intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, modify, or distribute any part of SHIZUKU without our explicit permission. Unauthorized use of our intellectual property may result in legal action.

9. Prohibited Acts

You agree not to engage in the following activities while using SHIZUKU:

  • Violating these Terms of Use.
  • Engaging in illegal, criminal, or harmful activities.
  • Infringing on the intellectual property rights of others.
  • Interfering with the operation of SHIZUKU or damaging our reputation.
  • Creating multiple accounts for the same person.
  • Sharing or using another user’s login credentials.
  • Using SHIZUKU for the purpose of meeting strangers.
  • Any other act we deem inappropriate.

If you violate any of these rules, we may suspend or terminate your account without notice.

10. Withdrawal Procedure

You may cancel your membership by following the designated procedure. Upon cancellation, you will lose access to your account and any associated privileges. Please note that your previously posted User Content will not be automatically deleted and will remain on the site.

11. Modification of Terms

We may modify these Terms of Use at any time. We will notify you of any significant changes at least one month before they take effect.

12. Governing Law

These Terms of Use shall be governed by the laws of Japan. Any legal disputes related to these terms will be resolved in the Tokyo District Court, which shall have exclusive jurisdiction.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms of Use, please use our inquiry form to contact us.

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